CEVA Logistics, ENGIE, and SANEF — partners in the European Clean Transport Network (ECTN) Alliance — have launched the proof of concept of the low-carbon, long-distance road transport network.
First announced in March, the network’s pilot program covers a distance of more than 900 kilometres in France between Avignon and Lille, aiming to demonstrate the ECTN concept to facilitate the decarbonisation of long-distance road freight transport. The concept would not require specific technological innovations but instead relies on a network of terminals for low-carbon truck refuelling and trailer exchange.
By providing transporters with a solution based on alternative energies to diesel for long-distance freight transport, the concept addresses shipping customers’ demands for decarbonising their cargo flows while aligning with the growing need for energy transition.
“Relay Station” Network with 16 Trucks
The Alliance draws inspiration from the traditional “relay” concept by establishing relay stations equipped with electric charging stations and bio-CNG refuelling pumps for trucks along the existing highway network. At these relay stations, trailers are disconnected and reconnected to a new tractor unit and driver for the next segment for transport.
The test route between Avignon and Lille is divided into four segments between Avignon (Vaucluse) – Lyon (Rhône) – Dijon (Côte-d’Or) – Sommesous (Marne) – Lille (Nord). Each truck completes two daily round trips between two of these relay stations. This daily round-trip principle on a defined road segment improves working conditions for truck drivers. It makes the profession more attractive by reducing the distance between home and work.
Each member of the ECTN Alliance is contributing its expertise to the implementation of the pilot:
- CEVA established relay stations at its Avignon, Lyon, Dijon, and Lille branches. It has set up a control tower in Valenciennes to supervise cargo flows and monitor transit times and energy consumption.
- ENGIE is installing and operating electric charging stations and biogas distribution pumps.
- SANEF is hosting a relay station at its Sommesous service area.
Starting with four bioGNC trucks operated by F.D.E. Transports, the pilot will gradually expand to include 16 trucks, including 12 electric ones, and welcome new transport partners and shippers. Ultimately, the program aims to enable the 16 semi-trailers to traverse the network five days a week—eight travelling northward from the Marseille-Avignon commercial area and eight others to travel southward from Lille.
Significant names in commerce and industry, such as Intermarché Food Logistics and Heineken, are expressing interest in the ECTN concept and participating in the trial, entrusting some of their cargo flows to be transported through the ECTN network.
Open, cooperative development approach
The ECTN concept is designed to be open to stakeholders, including trucking companies, truck drivers, shipping customers, energy suppliers, motorway operators, truck manufacturers, and public authorities. All stakeholders are invited to participate in the network’s development and the proof of concept.
Processes and software tools will be developed and improved to transmit low-carbon traction certificates to customers with unprecedented precision and ensure real-time supervision of the complete system, including the 16 low-carbon trucks, six electric charging stations, and numerous bioCNG refuelling stations.
Simultaneously, a feasibility study has been launched by a team of experts in logistics (CEVA), motorway management and operation (SANEF), and low-carbon, heavy-duty mobility (ENGIE), as well as experts from ENGIE Impact and Carbone 4. The study aims to model the entire concept, which might eventually be deployed across Europe. Expected in the coming months, the results will provide an estimate of the network’s potential contribution to decarbonising long-distance road transport at the European level. The study will also outline the conditions enabling the concept’s full implementation.
Luc Nadal, Managing Director of CEVA Logistics Europe, said, “The ECTN project has been over two years in the making. By combining the skills and expertise of three major French companies, with the support of our partners and customers, we have brought together all the conditions needed to provide a concrete response to the critical challenge of decarbonising road freight transport in Europe. When we see what is happening with the electric car, we can make that possible for heavy goods vehicles, with the support of European public authorities. This experiment is a first step towards a large-scale transformation of our industry, with considerable environmental benefits.”
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