Charging forward with e-HGV provision on the Energy Estuary as UK first goes live
Humber Marine and Renewables was proudly represented at the launch of another UK first for the Energy Estuary today.
Milence’s charging hub for electric HGVs has been officially opened at Able Humber Port, North Killingholme.
The eight-bay operation ensures logistics operators have certainty of charge – and range – for the golden triangle of manufacturing heartlands that rely upon Port of Immingham and Humber Sea Terminal for imports and exports.
Milence chief executive, Anja van Niersen, told how it was the company’s ambition to accelerate the transition away from diesel, with a plan to have 1,700 charging points across Europe by 2027. A total of 570 points across 70 locations are currently in operation or various deployment phases. Milence, formed in 2022, is a joint venture between Daimler Truck, Traton Group and Volvo Group, with Renault, MAN, Mercedes, Scania Volkswagen and Volvo brands represented, but charging technology delivered for all.
Deputy leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Richard Hannigan, praised the “bravery, innovation and courage” in being the first, having heard how infrastructure costs were roughly twice those faced in Europe. “If we all pull in the same direction we will succeed, and here we have Milence, at the Able site, and a lot of people from business all doing that,” he told a strong turn-out, with more than a nod to its reason for being.
The event, in a ‘forecourt’ marquee where latest vehicles from partner brands were showcased outside, also featured a panel Q&A with Ade Thomas, host of ElectricDrives Green TV moderating.
He was joined by Anja, Andrew Scott, chair of the SMMT Heavy Vehicle Technical Committee; Sean Clifton, fleet director for group transport at Wincanton and Margarita Vigrande-Ashe, head of road freight decarbonisation at the Department for Transport.
With cost highlighted several times, the civil servant told how the UK was looking to Europe to understand ‘the journey’, and said she was aware of the financial challenges and pushing to see what can be done, with all eyes on the ongoing Spending Review, while highlighting existing schemes for the sector.
Humber Marine and Renewables was delighted to see this significant step in cleaning up another crucial element of the region’s industrial might, and wishes Milence well – having heard of the potential to significantly scale up its presence off Rosper Road in future phases, with agreements already in place with HM&R member Able.
