Minister De Ridder discovers innovations at ADR specialist Vervaeke
On Truck Driver’s Day, transport company Vervaeke welcomed Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder. The transport company gave demonstrations with a hydrogen tractor and an automated tanker truck at its headquarters in Zellik.
The Vervaeke family business enjoys a strong reputation as an expert in the transport of dangerous goods (ADR). CEO Frédéric Derumeaux is now the third generation at the helm, but father Julien is also still to be found on the company floor every day, and with son Augustin Derumeaux, the fourth generation is now also sticking its nose to the window.
“As a specialist in hazardous goods, we highly value safety and innovation and only work with local drivers. Communication is easier and they receive solid training”, Frédéric Derumeaux outlined his company’s vision on driver management to the minister during her working visit.
Hydrogen tractor
The strong focus on safety and innovation within Vervaeke’s company walls also returned during the presentation of a Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, a demo vehicle of a hydrogen-powered tractor with fuel cell of which only five are currently in operation in Europe and which Vervaeke is using in consultation with INEOS. The minister was allowed to take a seat in the cabin of the vehicle during a short tour. The emitted water vapour created a small visual spectacle.
The vehicle, which operates exclusively in Germany partly because subsidies are available there, was specially transferred to Zellik. “The heavier weight of e-trucks due to batteries causes us to look mainly in the direction of hydrogen at the moment. For example, when transporting liquid bulk, we could transport two tonnes less with an e-truck, accounting for 8% less capacity,” Derumeaux said.
A driver also demonstrated the operation of an automated tanker truck, a first for our country. “This automation is also important with a view to attracting and keeping drivers on board because of the complexity of ADR transport,” clarified Serge De Wolf, managing director of Vervaeke. Moreover, in the third quarter of 2025, Vervaeke will also add a MAN tractor unit with an internal hydrogen combustion engine (ICE) to its fleet in the Netherlands.
Memorandum
At the end of the visit, Vervaeke’s company executives handed over a memorandum to the minister containing other bottlenecks and challenges for the ADR transport sector. These included the challenges around parking spaces, training for ADR drivers and restrictions on the life span of towing and towed equipment for vehicle combinations up to 48 tonnes.
Minister De Ridder said he was listening to the industry’s complaints. “From 2025, Colruyt is already starting a pilot project where longer and higher electric trucks are allowed on the road, we are also willing to take a close look at the regulations around tonnages. Know that in us you will find a partner. Thank you for pioneering and passing on your passion from generation to generation,” he said.
This article was automatically translated from the Dutch language original to English.