Volvo Trucks has signed a landmark agreement with Brønnøy Kalk AS in Norway to provide its first commercial autonomous solution transporting limestone from an open pit mine to a nearby port.
The solution consists of limestone being transported by six autonomous Volvo FH trucks on a five kilometre stretch through tunnels between the mine itself and the crusher.
Tests of this solution have been carried out successfully and will continue throughout 2018 to become fully operational by the end of 2019.
The agreement follows recent successful automation projects involving mining, sugar cane harvesting and refuse collection.
Yet this commercial solution represents a first for Volvo Trucks: Rather than purchasing autonomous trucks, Brønnøy Kalk is buying a transport solution – specifically the transport of the limestone between the two hubs.
“This is an important step for us,” says Raymond Langfjord, Managing Director of the mine. “The competition in the industry is tough.
“We are continuously looking to increase our efficiency and productivity long-term, and we have a clear vision of taking advantage of new opportunities in technology and digital solutions.
“We were searching for a reliable and innovative partner that shares our focus on sustainability and safety. Going autonomous will greatly increase our competitiveness in a tough global market.”
Claes Nilsson, President of Volvo Trucks, said: “We are proud to be able to present an autonomous solution which will meet the challenges of our customers both in terms of safety, reliability and profitability.”
“The global transport needs are continuously changing at a very high pace and the industry is demanding new and advanced solutions to stay ahead.
“Our aim is to be the leader of the development of products and services to respond to these demands”, continued Claes Nilsson.
The agreement is a deal whereby the customer buys a total transport service and pays per tonne delivered.
