Port of Rotterdam

In 2009 the first batch of VDL Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) has been developed with use of customer co-creation. The combination of forces enabled VDL to produce a unique vehicle with superior characteristics. Since 2012 these AGVs have been operational at Delta Terminal Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

This AGV can handle (2x)20’, 40’ and 45’ ISO containers in the port of Rotterdam. Furthermore, it can lift loads up to 70 tonnes with a maximum speed of 6 metres per second. The available expertise within VDL on development and manufacturing of advanced equipment and vehicles enabled us to create this high performance and environmental friendly container carrier. The focus for this project was mainly fuel efficiency, CO2 emission, noise level reduction, reliability and maintainability.

The steering of the VDL AGV is very accurate; this results in a minimized required area for the movement of a container and could potentially reduce the terminal surface area.

To ensure the required performance in combination with reduced fuel and maintenance costs, VDL produced in this case an electrically driven diesel-Hybrid AGV. A small diesel engine drives a generator powering the electric motors and when peak power is required, ultra capacitors provide additional energy. To reduce the lifecycle cost the AGV has a maintenance friendly set up to maximize accessibility and reduce maintenance hours.

The VDL AGV is designed in a modular way. By developing a flexible design there is no need to exchange the complete vehicle after the technical lifetime of certain components. A retrofit of the worn item will do. The second big advantage of the modular set up is the ability to adapt to specific customer demands with low impact.

 Contact person: Leendert Kats