Port of Felixstowe doubles down on autonomous trucks

The Port of Felixstowe has confirmed it's doubling its fleet of autonomous trucks, with another 34 machines on order from Shanghai Westwell Technology. These new units will run alongside conventional lorries, but the move has sparked debate about what it means for drivers on site. The port already trialled the trucks at Trinity Terminal earlier this year and now wants to push automation further.

Unite, however, has warned there are still "unanswered questions" about how the technology affects workers. Clemence Cheng, executive director of Hutchison Ports and Port of Felixstowe chief executive, said: "We are proud to be leading the way in autonomous operations in ports. Doubling our fleet of ATs will deliver even greater efficiency and resilience to our operation.

These new units will feature enhanced sensor technology, enabling even greater operational performance for our customers. "The continued scaling up of this project has been made possible by the recent introduction of a private 5G network at the Port of Felixstowe. As well as improving operational consistency and efficiency, the increased use of battery-powered ATs will significantly support our ambition to achieve net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035."

Unite added: "We have raised a number of safety concerns which the employer has responded to. The conversation with the employer is ongoing. We intend to monitor the situation very carefully."

The port also said its 5G network is one of the UK's largest private set-ups, controlling both ATs and conventional kit.

A new automated battery-swap station now allows an autonomous truck to swap a flat battery for a full one in just five to six minutes - with no manual input.