Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Solvay Group have expanded their low-carbon logistics partnership with the deployment of electric trucking on an inland container route in Germany.
The initiative covers Solvay’s 73 km daily container route between Bad Wimpfen and Mannheim. The lane was previously served by diesel trucks.
Cargo is now moved by electric truck to Mannheim, where it is transferred to barges for the 500 km journey to the deep-sea ports of Rotterdam or Antwerp. According to the companies, barges generate lower emissions per TEU than trucking.
The project builds on ONE and Solvay’s earlier use of OLEO100 rapeseed oil biofuel trucks for Solvay’s long-distance routes in France.
By switching the Mannheim-Bad Wimpfen lane to electric trucking, the partners have eliminated tailpipe emissions on that route. The change also reduces noise pollution for local communities and improves driver comfort.
ONE said the deployment demonstrates that heavy-duty container transport can shift to lower-carbon alternatives without compromising reliability.
The companies described the project as a proof of concept for future inland container logistics in Europe, as shippers and carriers seek to reduce Scope 3 emissions and prepare for stricter environmental regulations.