Port of Antwerp-Bruges Targets Autonomous Truck Hub Status by 2026 Port of Antwerp-Bruges has identified a turning point for autonomous vehicles, according to a statement from the port authority. The source, an article published by Hellenic Shipping News, outlines the port's strategy to become a hub for autonomous mobility. Commercial autonomous trucks are already operating on public roads in both China and the United States. In China, one operator has reported that its insurance ratio dropped from 96 percent, typical for conventional transport firms, to just 18 percent, indicating improvements in safety, cost, and casualty reduction. In the US, companies including Volvo Autonomous Solutions are driving commercially on long-distance corridors. The port authority argues that autonomous trucks offer strategic value beyond safety. They could accelerate a modal shift by improving last-mile connections and make night logistics more viable, helping to ease daytime congestion. Autonomous and electric driving can reinforce each other, as the cost savings from removing a driver can offset the higher cost of electric propulsion. Ports are seen as ideal environments for scaling autonomy due to high traffic frequency, controlled conditions, and repetitive operations. Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to accelerate commercial roll-out by urging policymakers to address fragmented legislation in Europe and by developing commercial use cases that can be scaled to full operational domains, such as a corridor toward Rotterdam or shunting operations within the port. A Letter of Intent has been signed with Port of Rotterdam and North Sea Port to jointly organize autonomous transport within the ports and on connecting roads. On the Rotterdam-Antwerp corridor alone, approximately 6,500 trucks travel daily. An innovation tender will select OEMs and technology partners to implement these projects. The port is also positioning itself as a venue for innovation around autonomous driving, sailing, flying, and rail operations. It organized