The first autonomous truck to arrive at Napier Port. It can operate with or without a driver in the cab. Photo / Napier Port Napier Port’s self-driving truck fleet has started to arrive and will be phased into operation later this year, marking a first for New Zealand ports. The port is investing more than $20 million to introduce 12 autonomous truck and trailer units at its container terminal, with the goal of improvingoperations. The first Sany battery-electric autonomous truck arrived from China in April, and has since been used for “training purposes only”. The port has named it Sanctuary after an internal competition. The next 11 trucks arrive next month, all of which can operate with or without a driver in the cab. “They will initially operate manually, with drivers in the trucks. “We haven’t set a firm date for autonomous operations, as the transition will depend on successful testing and validation, and meeting the required safety and operational criteria.” The trucks will be used only around the container terminal and won’t go outside the port. The port expanded its safety team to prepare for the changes, and has worked closely with an international consultant and Maritime New Zealand. When the trucks are used autonomously, a team will supervise them around the port. The trucks rely on sensors, cameras and data and can make decisions in real time, such as stopping if something is in their way. Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) is keeping a close eye on the rollout, with safety a key focus. Central region organiser Allan Addison-Saipe visited the port this week and watched a demonstration in which the truck operated autonomously while a driver sat inside the cab. He said the port had kept the union up to date on the project, and testing