Additional autonomous container trucks are expected to be rolled out at Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe as it confirmed a new 34-vehicle order from Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd, doubling its current fleet.

The Port of Felixstowe is no stranger to using Autonomous Trucks (ATs), having introduced its first two in 2022.

Its new 34-AT order, announced on 16 September, is the port's second batch, having already deployed 34 earlier this year at its Trinity Terminal alongside conventionally driven trucks.

According to the Port of Felixstowe, this was the first ever successful use of ATs in mixed traffic mode operations in Europe.

Commenting on the order, Clemence Cheng, Executive Director of Hutchison Ports and Port of Felixstowe CEO, said: "We are proud to be leading the way in autonomous operations in ports.

"These new units will feature enhanced sensor technology, enabling even greater operational performance for our customers."

The features Cheng referenced include a 128-line LiDAR, 360-degree camera vision and monocular and stereo cameras with radar.

Additionally, as the ATs are fully electric, they also have an automated battery swap station feature that requires no manual intervention and can exchange power units for fully charged ones in just five to six minutes.

Kenny Tan, founder and chairman of Westwell, added: "Having the port fully automated with ATs shows how far we've come in terms of empowering ports' smart operation."

Clemence Cheng explained the project has been made possible due to the port's introduction of a private 5G network, which he confirmed provides fast, reliable and secure communication and control systems for the ATs and other conventional equipment.