[vc_row][vc_column][column_text]Utrecht, 12 October 2023 - The logistics sector faces a major challenge in the coming years: reducing CO2 emissions to zero, starting in zero-emission zones. From 2025, carriers will be able to call on a large number of cities almost exclusively with an electric vehicle. Trade fair ICT&Logistics kicks off on 8 November with a morning entirely dedicated to Zero Logistics. ICT&Logistics, the meeting place for technological innovation within the logistics sector, will take place in Royal Jaarbeurs on 8 and 9 November 2023.
Zero Logistics
The transition to emission-free transport presents a major challenge for the sector. When does it make sense to invest in the electrification of the vehicle fleet? What does the use of electric vehicles mean for your operations, your planning and your distribution network? What is the situation regarding the availability and accessibility of energy? Are there any other solutions in the field of urban logistics to enable emission-free deliveries to city centres?
In the coming years, Zero Logistics will remain a prominent theme at ICT&Logistics. "By doing so, we want to contribute to awareness among both exhibitors and visitors," says fair manager Corien den Ouden. "We help make this vast and complicated matter manageable. We give companies the insights and tooling to comply with legislation and directives in a timely manner. We will continue to pay attention to this in the coming years too, smart city logistics, smart energy sources, smart transport planning, smart fleet financing and much more."
Smart data for smart planning
One of the speakers at ICT&Logistics is Walther Ploos van Amstel, lecturer in urban logistics at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. He explains that the limited range and the charging time required for electric vehicles call for a different, much more dynamic approach to transport planning. The driver’s driving style and the chosen route determine the actual range in practice, making it necessary to constantly adjust the planning.
Working towards an optimal charging infrastructure
Data is also needed to implement smart charging solutions for transport operators. In a fleet of electric vehicles, the charging point, vehicle, battery, fleet management and energy management software must be able to communicate effectively with one another. Only then is it possible to manage the system and achieve optimal transport operations. Robert van den Hoed of the National Knowledge Platform for Charging Infrastructure (NKL) states that these conditions have not yet been met. In the presentation he will give at the trade fair, he will discuss the most important data flows and how companies can translate these into a list of requirements and preferences that business owners can use in discussions with their suppliers.
Smart urban logistics in Utrecht
A liveable city requires more than just zero-emission transport. That is the view of Stan de Caluwé, freight transport cluster coordinator for the City of Utrecht. He explains that the numerous urban logistics movements result in emissions of various harmful substances, as well as noise and vibrations. Furthermore, freight transport in the city centre places significant pressure on the limited space in the historic city centre, which is popular with consumers.
To manage all goods flows, the Municipality of Utrecht is committed to the transition to sustainable, smart city logistics. This consists of a smart, efficient and emission-free transport network in which other modes of transport, smart IT solutions and close cooperation between all parties involved are crucial. Stan de Caluwé explains how Utrecht intends to do that.
Challenge: smart solutions from young talent
To ensure a successful transition to Zero Logistics, we urgently need the fresh, innovative ideas of young and up-and-coming talent. During the ‘Empowering Zero-Emission Logistics’ challenge at ICT&Logistics, organised by Erasmus UP, students from various logistics study programmes (vocational, higher vocational and university) will work alongside companies and/or government bodies to develop innovative ideas and new approaches to solutions.
The challenge revolves around a regional zero-emission challenge with an engaged problem owner. During the grand finale on 8 November in Jaarbeurs, the participants will pitch their solutions in front of an expert jury. Which talents will win?
Full programme for Zero Logistics
Want to find out more about emission-free transport and smart urban logistics? For the full programme on Zero Logistics, visit www.ict-en-logistiek.nl.[/column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
