Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 22, Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe has received the first two units from a new order of 34 fully electric Autonomous Trucks supplied by Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd. An earlier batch of 34 Westwell autonomous trucks has been operating successfully at the port’s Trinity Terminal since becoming Europe’s first ATs to work in a mixed-traffic environment alongside manned vehicles.

The latest vehicles incorporate upgraded 128-line LiDAR and 360-degree binocular camera systems, together with interactive light signals and audio-visual alerts that clearly communicate driving intentions to surrounding human operators, further enhancing safety.

Powered entirely by electricity from certified renewable sources—used across the entire port since April 2023—the trucks produce zero emissions during operation. Battery swaps are completed in five to six minutes at a new automated swapping station, maximising vehicle availability.

Clemence Cheng, Executive Director of Hutchison Ports and CEO of Port of Felixstowe, said: “We are delighted to receive the first trucks from our second order of ATs from Westwell. The new machines feature a step forward in LiDAR technology and marks the next phase of our journey using autonomous technology to support our experienced workforce.

“The improvements that have been incorporated in the new machines will now be retrofitted to our existing fleet to improve further the benefits they bring in terms of operational performance and efficiency. We look forward to continuing to work with Westwell to deliver on our shared vision of a smarter and greener future.”

Kenny Tan, Founder and Chairman of Westwell, said: “Celebrating our 10th anniversary, Westwell is proud to empower the 150-year legacy of the Port of Felixstowe with its proprietary Ainergy technology—driving intelligent transformation across the global logistics ecosystem.

“Hutchison Ports is a valued global partner for Westwell, and we look forward to continuing our close collaboration in the years ahead, driving meaningful progress in sustainable port development.”

The expanded autonomous fleet supports the Port of Felixstowe’s target of reaching net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035. Last August, the port also commissioned automated electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes, further advancing its automation and decarbonisation programme.