APM Terminals Maasvlakte II signs cooperation contract with Embotech and Terberg for the purchase of 30 electric automated terminal trucks

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (MVII), together with Embotech AG, a leading supplier of technology for autonomous vehicles, and the Dutch family-owned company Terberg, has signed a cooperation contract for the supply and entire implementation of 30 electric automated terminal trucks (ATTs). This is unique in this sector.

With this tripartite cooperation Embotech, Terberg and APM Terminals emphasize their joint commitment to ensure seamless deployment of this innovative port technology. The new fleet of automated terminal trucks is expected to enter service in the first quarter of 2027. This project follows a successful pilot and extensive testing at APM Terminals MVII, after which the all-new autonomous technology was deemed ready for safe and solid large-scale deployment.

About the autonomous technology

The ATTs are equipped with Embotech's Level 4 AV Kit, which allows them to operate autonomously in complex and mixed traffic situations. Embotech’s automation system operates with precision and reliably detects obstacles in all weather conditions. It achieves sub-5cm localization accuracy, enabling seamless reversing of container chassis at transfer points under cranes. This project promises to set new standards in the field of autonomous horizontal transport in container terminals.

Harold Kunst CEO APM Terminals MVII: “This unique three-party collaboration with Embotech and Terberg marks an important step in our ambition to make Maasvlakte II not only the largest, but also the most efficient, most sustainable and safest automated terminal in Europe. With this innovative autonomous technology, we are setting a new standard in ports.”

Andreas Kyrtatos, CEO of Embotech, responds enthusiastically: “This contract with APM Terminals and Terberg underlines the maturity and efficiency of our Automated Terminal Truck solution. Our ATTs have proven to perform reliably and with very high accuracy in complex port situations, without any external intervention. We are proud that this technology will revolutionize operations at Maasvlakte II, one of the most advanced and innovative terminals in the world.”

Rob van Hove, CEO of Terberg Special Vehicles division: “We are delighted about this collaboration between APM Terminals, Embotech, and Terberg in this truly innovative MVII expansion automation project in the Port of Rotterdam. Together, we are introducing the first automated fleet in a port terminal operation with mixed traffic. Terberg is providing its unique Drive by Wire electric terminal tractors, managing the external certification of the tractors’ safety functions, supporting the integration of the automation kit, and overseeing the complete assembly of the total solution. The result is an automated solution to provide future proof horizontal transport of containers,” said Rob van Hove, CEO of Terberg Special Vehicles.