Seafrigo Group, a major player in logistics specializing in the transportation of food products and cold chain management, has announced the integration of five Volvo FM electric trucks into its fleet, commiting to its energy transition goals.
These vehicles, the first electric trucks in Seafrigo's fleet, will be primarily dedicated to port hauling in and around its Le Havre, France headquarters.
Seafrigo said this partnership with Volvo Trucks marks a significant step in its energy transition strategy, and is aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and improving the efficiency of its operations in the Le Havre port area.
Vehicles designed for port hauling
The 5 Volvo FM Electric trucks, equipped with 6 battery packs totalling 540 kWh and offering up to 300 km of range without recharging, perfectly meet the requirements for local and regional hauling, particularly in the Le Havre port area. It has a towing capacity of 44 tons, ensuring productivity equivalent to a diesel vehicle, while significantly reducing CO2 emissions and noise pollution
The charging solution was provided in partnership with "Autorecharge", enabling an installation tailored to Seafrigo Group's operational needs.
To meet the safety requirements specific to port environments, the vehicles have been equipped with enhanced features, designed and integrated in collaboration with the Volvo Trucks technical teams such as additional cameras for maximum visibility around the vehicle and fifth wheel with remote locking and unlocking, allowing the driver to perform the manoeuvre without approaching hazardous areas.
"The partnership with Volvo Trucks marks a key milestone in our decarbonization approach for port hauling in Le Havre. By integrating these first electric trucks, Seafrigo reaffirms its role as a pioneer in the energy transition of the logistics sector," said Arnaud Hourdin, director of Port Activities at Seafrigo Group.
A positive environmental, economic impact
The integration of these electric vehicles allows Seafrigo Group to reduce its CO2 emissions by 8% in its port hauling activities. The electrification of the fleet also contributes to the reduction of noise pollution and local emissions of atmospheric pollutants, such as fine particles and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
In economic terms, Seafrigo Group expects a significant reduction in fuel and maintenance costs, particularly for mechanical components.
Seafrigo Group, which is also participating in the SOCRATE project for the complete electrification of port hauling at the Port of Le Havre, plans to expand this fleet in the future based on the results achieved with the vehicles currently integrated.
It said that this pilot project represents a promising first step towards a more environmentally friendly future, with the potential for larger-scale development if the experience proves successful.
"We are proud to support Seafrigo Group in this first step towards electrifying its fleet. The choice of the Volvo FM Electric confirms the long-standing trust between our two companies and demonstrates that electric technology is now perfectly suited to the demanding needs of port hauling," said Jérôme Flassayer, director of Electromobility at Volvo Trucks France.
"Thanks to the joint efforts of the Seafrigo Group and Volvo Trucks Teams, and our network, we were able to develop customized solutions, particularly in terms of safety and chassis adaptations, to meet the specific requirements of the Port of Le Havre," he added.