Transporting goods to the Shetland Islands is not easy. The long route, exposed to rough seas and strong winds, creates challenges for temperature-sensitive shipments – yet these same conditions have driven Shetland’s leading role in energy innovation.
The islands are now approaching a major milestone in renewable energy. With large‑scale wind projects coming online, Shetland is set to become a significant producer of clean, locally generated electricity, creating an ideal environment for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
Recent infrastructure investments also make a difference. Charging hubs have been positioned strategically across the islands, helping reduce concerns about range and creating a strong testbed for grounding electric trucks in real‑world conditions. But this forward‑looking approach is not new. Shetland has a long history of adapting to the needs of the energy industry – once home to Europe’s busiest oil terminal at Sullom Voe, and now leading the green transition with the UK’s most productive wind farm, alongside plans for offshore wind and future fuels.
In many ways, the islands reflect the broader energy transition, where new technologies are introduced and tested in real operating conditions. Early 2026, DFDS sent an electric truck to Shetland, becoming one of the first operators to bring electric road transport to one of the UK’s most remote areas. The initiative demonstrates that electric transport solutions can operate effectively even in demanding environments. So let's take a closer look at why this development matters for logistics decision-makers and how DFDS can support progress towards sustainability goals.
“We’ve invested years of effort and belief into this project, so seeing the first electric truck now operating on Shetland soil is a truly significant moment. Being remote and far from conventional maintenance support and without existing charging infrastructure meant we had to build an entirely new ecosystem for this vehicle to thrive. That challenge became our motivation. We know this technology will bring lasting benefits to Shetland, and we’re creating the foundations today for many more vehicles, and much greater progress, to follow. This first truck is not just a milestone – it marks the beginning of a cleaner, more resilient future for the islands”, says Bryan Hepburn, Operations Manager at DFDS.
Why Shetland matters for the future of electric freight
Consider the example of Shetland. If electric trucks can operate successfully here, they can operate anywhere. Shetland is hard to reach due to the long distance and challenging climate, making the islands a real test environment for electric transport, particularly for cold‑chain products. This deployment demonstrates that electric trucks can reliably transport time-sensitive, temperature-controlled goods, even in demanding conditions.
But we haven’t done this alone. Our partnership with Volvo Trucks and support from Innovate UK are helping accelerate the transition to lower-emission and more resilient supply chains. The launch of the electric truck in Shetland is part of the Zero Emission HGV & Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme, funded by the UK Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. Together, these initiatives are laying the groundwork for the growing use of electric transport across the UK and Northern Europe, marking an important step for the logistics industry.
Why is this a turning point for logistics decision-makers?
Many businesses want to decarbonise their supply chains, but questions remain about whether electric transport can operate effectively on remote routes. Shetland now provides a practical example showing that electric transport:
- Can support temperature-controlled logistics
- Can operate over long distances
- Performs in harsh climates
- Supports decarbonisation objectives
- Is already a viable solution for everyday logistics operations
DFDS’ commitment to decarbonised logistics
At DFDS, decarbonising logistics is a core focus. The deployment of an eTruck in Shetland brings the UK fleet to ten electric trucks – eight delivered through the ZENFreight consortium and two added earlier through a direct customer partnership – marking another step in the transition to lower-emission road transport.
Between October 2024, when the first electric truck was introduced in the UK, and December 2025, electric trucks have reduced CO₂e emissions by 185 tonnes (well-to-wheel). In 2026, our total emissions savings are projected to reach 430 tonnes across our full UK fleet. The new electric truck in Shetland alone is expected to reduce emissions by 73 tonnes of CO₂e in 2026, showcasing the impact a single electric vehicle can make.
Next step: integrate electric freight into your operations
If electric trucks can deliver time-sensitive goods in Shetland, they can also offer a reliable transport solution for your business. From temperature-controlled goods to long-distance shipments and hard-to-reach regions, electric freight supports a wide range of transport requirements.
We are here to help you assess where electric transport fits within your operations, the benefits you can expect, and how fast the transition to decarbonised solutions can be. Let’s talk about how electric transport can support your business today and for the long-term.
