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 access 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 transformation to emission-free transport poses a major challenge to the industry. When does it make sense to invest in fleet electrification? What does the deployment of electric vehicles mean for your operation, for your planning and for your distribution network? What about energy availability and accessibility? Are there any other urban logistics solutions to provide emission-free deliveries to inner cities?
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 exhibition 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 the Hogeschool van Amsterdam. He makes it clear that the short range and necessary charging time of electric vehicles call for a different, much more dynamic transport planning. The driving style of the driver and the route chosen determine how big the range is in practice, which makes it necessary to constantly adjust the planning.
Working on optimal charging infrastructure
Data is also needed to realise smart charging solutions for carriers. In a fleet of electric vehicles, charging station, vehicle, battery, fleet management and energy management software must be able to talk to each other properly. Only then is it possible to steer accordingly and achieve an optimal transport operation. Robert van den Hoed of the National Charging Infrastructure Knowledge Platform (NKL) argues that these conditions have not yet been met. In the presentation he will give during the exhibition, he will discuss what the most important data flows are and how companies can translate them into a list of requirements that entrepreneurs can use in talks with their suppliers.
Smart city logistics in Utrecht
A liveable city needs more than emission-free transport. So argues Stan de Caluwé, cluster coordinator for goods transport at the City of Utrecht. He explains that the many city logistics movements lead to emissions of various harmful substances, noise and vibrations. Moreover, goods transport in the city centre puts a lot of pressure on the limited space in the historic city centre, which is popular with consumers.
To manage all goods flows, the City of Utrecht is committed to the transition to sustainable, smart city logistics. That 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
For a successful transition to Zero Logistics, we desperately need the new and fresh ideas of young and up-and-coming talent. During the challenge 'Empowering Zero-Emission Logistics' at ICT&Logistics, organised by Erasmus UP, talent from various logistics courses (mbo, hbo and wo) will work together with companies and/or governments on innovative ideas and new solution directions.
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 of Zero Logistics
Want to know more about emission-free transport and smart city logistics? For the full programme on Zero Logistics, visit www.ict-en-logistiek.nl.
