The Port of Antwerp-Bruges took a major step toward the future of autonomous transportation by hosting the first Port of the Future – Autonomous Summit. The event showcased innovations in autonomous mobility on land, water, and in the air: from drones and driverless ships to container shuttles and trains. The highlight was a national breakthrough: Einride demonstrated the first fully autonomous truck in Belgium to operate on public roads.
As one of the most complex logistics hubs in the world, the port is actively testing autonomous technologies: monitoring drones, semi-autonomous vessels, and remotely operated vehicles. These solutions accelerate cargo flows, reduce risks to personnel, and contribute to environmental goals by reducing emissions and using resources more efficiently.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to become a catalyst for European innovation by creating an ecosystem for scaling autonomous technologies. Support from the EU, federal and Flemish authorities, as well as the participation of research centres and start-ups, form the basis for “regulatory sandboxes” where new technologies can prove their reliability and potential.