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DFDS and VFS are entering into a seven-year lease agreement on six MOL RME225 RoRo tractors, which are powered by Volvo Penta electric drivelines. Image Credit: Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta and Volvo Financial Services (VFS) have partnered to support DFDS with its ambition to transition a significant portion of its 280 diesel-powered terminal tractors to electric off-highway vehicles over the next few years. The initial agreement sees DFDS and VFS entering into a seven-year lease agreement on six MOL RME225 RoRo tractors, which are powered by Volvo Penta electric drivelines and supported by Volvo Penta service contracts for preventative maintenance and VFS insurance coverage.

The two Volvo Group companies collaborated on a total solutions offer to help DFDS invest in electromobility as part of its transformation journey.

“Leasing electric equipment is an attractive option for end customers while the technology evolves rapidly and the upfront investment remains higher than for traditional combustion engine equipment,” says Jeroen Overvelde, area sales manager, Volvo Penta Industrial. “Now that we have developed this financial solution, we will bring this approach to other segments, markets, OEMs, and customers, supporting the transition to sustainable transport solutions and making electrification more accessible for customers.”

What are the Benefits of Electric Off-Highway 4x4 RoRo Tractors?

Volvo Penta and MOL, a manufacturer of heavy industry and port handling equipment, began collaborating to develop the world’s first operational electric 4x4 RoRo tractor in 2021. The prototype was delivered to the DFDS terminal in Ghent, Belgium, where it was integrated into daily operations, executing operational tasks for over a year as part of validation activities.

“MOL and Volvo Penta are great companies to work with,” says Raf De Wit, terminal director at DFDS. “They really listen to us as customers, and therefore they understand our needs and how we want the machines to work. In our view, MOL and Volvo Penta aren’t suppliers – we consider them partners, and I know that's how they would describe us too.

“The MOL and Volvo Penta engineering teams asked us exactly what we wanted, they delivered it, and then asked us how they could improve it and help us further. It’s great finding solutions together, and that's exactly how it should be, particularly in this new era of electrification.”

The benefits of electrifying 4X4 RoRo tractors include reduced emissions, contributing to cleaner air quality, and less vibration, creating a more comfortable and quieter working environment. This is particularly advantageous in confined spaces on and off container ships.

“This partnership represents a significant step towards more sustainable and efficient port logistics,” says Conrad Verplancke, sales engineer responsible for terminal tractors, port equipment and special vehicles at MOL. “Customers respond very positively when they learn that Volvo Penta delivers the complete electric driveline package. They value that Volvo Penta’s expertise in electric drivelines is part of the tractor’s design, and that local service and parts for the drivelines are supported by Volvo Penta’s extensive service network.

“Working with Volvo Penta is a very open and collaborative experience. We work closely together to achieve the best possible result. Even now that the machines are in production, we continue to feel their support. We look forward to continuing the partnership and working on many more projects together.”

When will the Electric Off-Highway Vehicles be Accessible?

“From the very beginning of the sales process with DFDS in the Netherlands, VFS worked closely together with Volvo Penta to understand how we could support DFDS’ ambition for electric terminal tractors,” says Anders Carlander, business development manager, Services & Solutions at VFS. “By aligning early with both Volvo Penta and MOL, and engaging in joint business discussions with DFDS, we were able to create a total offer tailored to their requirements. This agreement is the result of great collaboration between Volvo Group business areas.”

The six electric RoRo tractors will be delivered to DFDS in the Netherlands in Q2 2026.