July 08, 2026
Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe announced an order for a third batch of autonomous trucks from Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd. ("Westwell"), increasing its autonomous truck fleet to 100 vehicles and further strengthening its position as a European leader in the deployment of autonomous vehicle technology at scale.
The latest order builds on the successful introduction of autonomous trucks into mixed-traffic container terminal operations at Felixstowe, the first deployment of its kind in Europe.
The new trucks will incorporate enhanced sensor and perception technology, including 128-line LiDAR and advanced camera systems, providing a more detailed understanding of the operating environment and supporting safe, accurate and reliable operation in a busy mixed-traffic terminal environment. Similar technology was referenced in the previous autonomous truck order release as part of the port's next phase of operational development.
The investment also includes a second automated battery swapping station. The port's existing station enables autonomous trucks to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged units in just five to six minutes, helping to maximise fleet availability and minimise operational disruption.
The autonomous trucks are fully electric. The port has used only electricity certified as being from renewable sources since April 2023, and the expanded fleet will support the port's target of achieving Net-Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035.
Source: Hutchison Ports