Guest
Nieuws en updates • 4 min lezen

De gevolgen van de stroomstoring op het Iberisch schiereiland in 2025 voor het wegvervoer

Gemaakt: 04-06-2025

Bijgewerkt: 04-06-2025

Op 28 april 2025 trok een wijdverspreide stroomstoring over het Iberisch schiereiland, waardoor miljoenen huizen, bedrijven en openbare diensten in Spanje en Portugal zonder elektriciteit kwamen te zitten. De stroomstoring in Spanje en Portugal, die om 12.33 uur lokale tijd begon, trof grote steden zoals Madrid, Barcelona, Lissabon en Porto, en grote delen van de omliggende regio's. In sommige gebieden kwam de stroom binnen vier tot vijf uur terug. In sommige gebieden was er binnen vier tot zes uur weer stroom, in andere duurde de storing tot ver in de volgende ochtend.

Hoewel de precieze oorzaak nog wordt onderzocht, suggereren de eerste berichten dat een storing in het grensoverschrijdende transmissienetwerk de elektriciteitsstroom over beide nationale netten heeft verstoord. De gevolgen waren snel en wijdverspreid: treindiensten werden stilgelegd, vliegtuigen werden aan de grond gehouden, ziekenhuizen en openbare diensten werden getroffen en de digitale infrastructuur werd lamgelegd. Voor de transport- en logistieke sector was de uitdaging onmiddellijk en raakte elk aspect van de activiteiten op de weg, van vracht- en brandstoftoevoer tot verkeerscontrole en het welzijn van de chauffeurs.

"Wanneer de stroom uitvalt, doen veel van de systemen waarop we vertrouwen om de wegen veilig te houden dat ook - van verkeerslichten en bewegwijzering tot communicatie," zegt Raquel Martinez, European Sales Manager bij SNAP. "Voor zowel chauffeurs als wagenparkbeheerders heeft de stroomstoring van 2025 duidelijk gemaakt hoe snel routinematige ritten een hoog risico kunnen worden en hoe belangrijk het is om te weten waar chauffeurs kunnen stoppen om de veiligheid van zichzelf en hun lading te waarborgen."

Vertragingen in vrachtvervoer

Voor transportbedrijven was het eerste en meest urgente probleem de opschorting van het vrachtvervoer. Over het hele Iberische schiereiland vertraagden de activiteiten in magazijnen, fulfilment centers en cross-docking hubs of vielen ze helemaal stil. Ook internationale transporten werden getroffen, waarbij vrachtwagens aan de grens werden vastgehouden terwijl de autoriteiten probeerden de basisverkeerscontrole te herstellen en de verkeersveiligheid te garanderen.

Toen het goederenvervoer per spoor tot stilstand kwam, probeerden sommige vervoerders de lading naar het wegennet te verplaatsen, maar dit bracht zijn eigen beperkingen met zich mee. Verstopte routes, verkeerssystemen die niet werkten en gebrekkige toegang tot brandstof zorgden ervoor dat het wegtransport de vraag niet kon verwerken. Het duurde enkele dagen om de achterstand weg te werken en de betrouwbaarheid van de bevoorradingsketen te herstellen.

Tol, verkeer en technologische storingen

De stroomstoringen op het Iberisch schiereiland lieten ook zien hoe afhankelijk de moderne infrastructuur is van digitale systemen. Verkeerslichten in grote steden gingen op zwart, waardoor files ontstonden en de kans op ongelukken toenam. Elektronische bewegwijzering, snelwegsensoren en slimme routesystemen vielen allemaal uit, waardoor bestuurders geen real-time begeleiding en updates meer hadden.

Ook tolpoorten werden getroffen. Omdat automatische slagbomen en elektronische betaalsystemen buiten werking waren, moest het personeel in sommige gebieden de slagbomen handmatig openen of contant geld innen. Dit leidde tot vertragingen op belangrijke routes, gederfde inkomsten voor de tolexploitanten en zorgen over de integriteit van het systeem zodra de stroom was hersteld.

Brandstofschaarste

Een van de duidelijkste tekenen van de afhankelijkheid van de sector van elektriciteit kwam bij de benzinepompen. Toen de stroom uitviel, werden tankstations in heel Spanje en Portugal gedwongen te sluiten. De pompen en betalingssystemen werkten niet meer, waardoor slechts een klein aantal tankstations met noodaggregaten overbleef om klanten te bedienen. Deze werden al snel overspoeld, wat leidde tot lange rijen en, in veel gevallen, chauffeurs die zonder brandstof kwamen te zitten.

De verstoring breidde zich ook stroomopwaarts uit, met havenfaciliteiten en brandstofdistributienetwerken die niet op normale capaciteit konden werken, waardoor het vervoer van brandstof naar gebieden in het binnenland vertraging opliep en de bevoorradingsproblemen nog groter werden.

EV's en oplaadinfrastructuur

Voor exploitanten van elektrische voertuigen vormde de storing een bijzondere uitdaging. Het opladen van EV's in Spanje en Portugal viel uit, waardoor EV's onbruikbaar werden tenzij ze al voldoende opgeladen waren om hun route te voltooien. Zonder toegang tot opladen werden sommige leveringen opgeschort en werden elektrische voertuigen tijdelijk van de weg gehaald.

Voor logistieke bedrijven die de overstap naar elektrische vloten overwegen, onderstreepten de stroomonderbrekingen in het Iberisch schiereiland het belang van noodplannen en back-upinfrastructuur om de activiteiten tijdens netwerkstoringen in stand te houden.

Welzijn van chauffeurs

Misschien wel de grootste zorg was het welzijn van de chauffeurs. Rustplaatsen en servicestations werden in duisternis gedompeld - velen zonder verlichting, verwarming, warm eten of functionerende toiletten. Sommige chauffeurs hadden geen veilige plek om te rusten tijdens gedwongen vertragingen.

Communicatie was een ander groot probleem. Omdat mobiele netwerken verstoord waren, hadden chauffeurs moeite om contact op te nemen met depots, ondersteuning te vragen of verkeersupdates te krijgen. Voor velen was de lokale radio de enige betrouwbare bron van informatie. De situatie herinnerde ons eraan hoe kwetsbaar de sector kan zijn wanneer kritieke infrastructuur uitvalt.

Lessen voor de toekomst

Hoewel de stroomstoring in Spanje en Portugal op de meeste plaatsen minder dan 24 uur duurde, was de verstoring van het wegtransport en het vrachtvervoer aanzienlijk. De gevolgen van de stroomuitval voor de logistiek hadden betrekking op alles, van brandstoftoevoer en veerkracht van de infrastructuur tot paraatheid in noodsituaties en het welzijn van chauffeurs. De stroomstoring heeft echter ook een hernieuwde discussie op gang gebracht over hoe wagenparkbeheerders de bedrijfscontinuïteit kunnen verbeteren en hun mensen kunnen beschermen in het geval van soortgelijke gebeurtenissen.

Het opstellen en testen van een robuust bedrijfscontinuïteitsplan is een belangrijke eerste stap. Dit plan moet betrekking hebben op communicatieprotocollen, toegang tot brandstof, alternatieve routes en de inzet van voertuigen. Waar mogelijk moeten vooraf alternatieve schema's en leveringspartners worden vastgesteld, vooral voor tijdgevoelige of kritieke ladingen.

Het ondersteunen van het welzijn van de bestuurder is cruciaal in situaties als deze. Noodpakketten - met snacks, water, zaklampen, powerbanks en reflecterende kleding - kunnen geruststelling en praktische hulp bieden.

"Exploitanten willen misschien ook de faciliteiten op depots herzien om ervoor te zorgen dat chauffeurs een veilige plek hebben om te rusten, vooral tijdens langere vertragingen," zegt Raquel. "Weten dat er een netwerk van truckstops in de regio is, zoals ons partnernetwerk, kan de zekerheid bieden dat er ergens gestopt kan worden tot de stroom terugkeert.

"Stroomstoringen van deze omvang zijn misschien zeldzaam, maar het risico is reëel. Exploitanten moeten nadenken over hoe ze veerkracht kunnen opbouwen en zich kunnen aanpassen aan situaties om te kunnen blijven rijden - van het veiligstellen van toegang tot brandstof tot het opnieuw evalueren van routeplanning en rustvoorzieningen tijdens noodsituaties."

Mobiliteitsdiensten van SNAP in Spanje

We hebben een uitgebreid netwerk van truckstops en servicepunten in heel Spanje en Europa. Bezoek onze interactieve kaart om te zien waar u onze partners vandaag kunt vinden

Deel naar

Anderen lezen ook...

Header Image

donderdag 07 augustus 2025 • Nieuws en updates

BINNEN IN FORMULE PREMIER TRUCKSTOP: ONDERZOEK NAAR HUN SUCCES EN HUN RELATIE MET SNAP

Susie Jones

Situated in Ellesmere Port, a stone's throw away from the M53, is . Voted UK's Truckstop of the Year 2023, the site has become a firm favourite among the trucking community. Playing homage to their link to Formula 1 (the site once provided fuel to racing cars around the world), the truck stop is doused in the iconic red, with plenty of sporting memorabilia to keep visitors busy for hours. As they celebrate their 10th anniversary, we sit down with Operations Manager Ash Evans to discuss everything from new facilities and sustainability goals to driver welfare and their relationship with SNAP. explains Ash.The site hosts a range of fantastic facilities to provide truck drivers with a home away from home. states Ash.As we're given a tour around the site, we walk through a dedicated gaming room, equipped with a pool and a table tennis table, a lounge area complete with massage chairs and a plethora of games consoles to help relax a driver after a long shift. On the more practical side, the site offers washing facilities, a gym, and a kitchen area to make homemade meals. For those who don't fancy cooking after a day behind the wheel, they can make use of the on-site restaurant now offering SNAP meal vouchers. Recently, the site renovated its female facilities, with state-of-the-art, spa-like washrooms. Included in this upgrade was a gender neutral toilet and shower room both areas are kept locked to ensure safety and security. explains Ash. Discover the new facilities at Formula through our with Ash.Ash and the team have a close relationship with Stuart Willetts, one of SNAP's UK Business Development Managers, who is always at the end of the phone to go over any queries. states Ash. Ash explains how offering SNAP meal vouchers has benefited not only the drivers but the site as well:Driver well-being has been a hot topic of discussion within the industry for a long time. With suicide rates among truck drivers than the national average, truck stops play a vital role in improving driver welfare. Something of which Ash believes shouldn't be difficult for a truck stop to achieve:This has certainly been a key focus for Formula, influencing everything from their facilities and continuous improvements to the safety and security of those parking up. Ash states. The industry has a long way to go, and Formula Truck Stop is setting the bar high. We asked Ash what the industry could do to help with driver well-being:Something that Stuart is all too aware must happen, as his role within SNAP allows him to empathise with the day-to-day challenges truck drivers face:The truck stop has come a long way since its humble beginnings. With SNAP helping to streamline operations, the site has been able to concentrate on expanding and pursuing its sustainability goals. With over 195,000 truck drivers on the SNAP network, the site had to add an overflow parking area, giving them an extra 50 spaces, to meet the growing demand. The site is now focusing on their sustainability goals, Ash explains:.Inspired by what you've just read? . Catch the full interview with

Header Image

maandag 21 juli 2025 • Nieuws en updates

HOE KLIMAATVERANDERING DE MOBILITEITSSECTOR BEÏNVLOEDT

Guest

Climate change is no longer a distant risk. For those working in road transport, it’s a daily operational reality – one that’s becoming harder to ignore with every passing year. From heatwaves that melt tarmac to floods that cut off major routes, the impact of a shifting climate is baked into the business of moving goods.For fleet managers, this means navigating evolving regulations, updating infrastructure and rethinking continuity planning. For drivers, it means adapting to new risks on the road – from tyre blowouts to disrupted delivery windows. And for the entire sector, it signals the need for a more resilient, climate-aware approach to mobility.In July 2022, the UK experienced its . As temperatures climbed to 40℃, roads began to soften, with sections of the closed due to surface degradation. Fleet operators were forced to reroute deliveries, sometimes at short notice, while engine temperatures soared and vehicles struggled to maintain performance.That same year, high winds from caused widespread damage across freight corridors in Western Europe, overturning high-sided vehicles and damaging temperature-sensitive cargo. Meanwhile, in January 2024, Storm Henk flooded vast areas of central England. Key routes in the Midlands were and some drivers were stranded for hours.These are not isolated events. They are signs of a transport system increasingly vulnerable to climate threats. Road surfaces, vehicle components and logistics networks are all being tested by changing conditions – and the consequences are being felt throughout the supply chain.When it comes to climate-related disruption, the impacts aren’t just felt on individual routes. Whole supply chains are being affected – sometimes with little warning. In The Netherlands, rising sea levels and heavier rainfall are prompting authorities and businesses to reassess the resilience of critical logistics infrastructure, particularly in low-lying industrial areas. The Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest seaport – has to adapt to climate risk, reinforcing quay walls, elevating access roads and upgrading stormwater systems to protect against flooding. Inland logistics centres are also under scrutiny, as extreme weather has exposed vulnerabilities in access routes and drainage.Fleet technology is improving fast, especially when it comes to electrification and smart diagnostics. But climate change is creating new stresses for even the most advanced vehicles. Battery efficiency can in cold weather, reducing the effective range of electric vans. Meanwhile, high temperatures and put additional strain on vehicle cooling systems.To address these issues, some operators are investing in predictive maintenance systems that use telematics to anticipate wear and schedule repairs before costly failures occur. Others are upgrading cab comfort systems to protect driver wellbeing during periods of extreme heat or cold. While these changes involve upfront investment, they can pay dividends in uptime, safety and driver retention.Rising climate risk is reshaping insurance, too. Some insurers are responding to the increased frequency of extreme weather claims by and tightening exclusions. Business interruption policies, in particular, are under , especially where supply chains are vulnerable to repeat disruption. And while cargo insurance remains a consideration, not all policies automatically cover delays caused by climate events such as flooding or high winds.Fleet managers should review their cover in light of these emerging risks. That means checking for exclusions, assessing how climate-related events are defined, and ensuring that critical gaps – such as downtime due to road closures – are adequately addressed. In some cases, demonstrating a proactive approach to risk management, flood mitigation and driver training can also help secure more favourable terms.While the physical impacts of climate change are already visible, regulatory shifts are adding another layer of complexity for operators. Low-emission zones are expanding rapidly across the UK and Europe, placing new demands on fleet composition and compliance. In London, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) continues to grow, while cities like Birmingham and Oxford have introduced their own variations. At the European level, the package have set ambitious targets for decarbonisation. Fleet operators are being incentivised – and increasingly required – to switch to cleaner fuels and technologies. From electrification mandates to supply chain transparency rules, operators now face a new baseline for what’s considered acceptable business practice.For those managing fleets, these changes present both a logistical challenge and a strategic opportunity. Embracing sustainability isn't just about avoiding penalties – it’s about futureproofing operations and staying ahead of changing customer expectations.Adaptation doesn’t happen overnight, but incremental changes can have a meaningful impact. Some operators are now carrying out climate risk assessments across their fleet operations, identifying assets and routes most vulnerable to disruption. Others are offering drivers updated training to improve safety and decision-making during extreme weather events.Fuel choices are shifting too. Hauliers looking for lower-carbon alternatives are turning to HVO – hydrotreated vegetable oil – an alternative to diesel that cuts emissions without requiring new infrastructure. Meanwhile, those investing in load optimisation software are seeing benefits not just in fuel economy but in emissions reductions that support compliance goals.There’s no longer any doubt that climate change is shaping the future of road transport, not in decades, but right now. The challenge for operators is to shift from a reactive mindset to a more strategic, long-term mindset. That means understanding the risks, acting on them early, and recognising that resilience is fast becoming a source of competitive advantage.“We’re hearing the same thing from fleet operators across the UK and Europe,” says Nick Renton, Head of European Strategy and Business Development at SNAP. “Climate disruption isn’t a future risk – it’s already here, affecting everything from warehousing and route planning to driver welfare. The fleets that thrive will be the ones that treat climate resilience as a business strategy, not just an emergency response.“It matters because the cost of inaction is rising – not just financially, but in terms of missed deliveries, operational downtime and the wellbeing of drivers on the road. If we want to keep goods moving and businesses growing, we need to start building that resilience in now.”At SNAP, we work closely with fleets across the UK and Europe to help them navigate this new reality. Whether it’s through insights, partnerships, or smarter tools for on-the-road operations, we’re here to support those who keep the wheels turning – whatever the weather. to take advantage of our fleet management solutions.

Header Image

woensdag 02 juli 2025 • Nieuws en updates

HOE DE BRITSE FINANCIERING VAN INFRASTRUCTUUR DE MOBILITEITSINDUSTRIE KAN BEÏNVLOEDEN

Guest

After years of patchy investment and mounting congestion, the UK government has committed to more than £700 billion in infrastructure spending over the next decade – much of it earmarked for the nation’s roads. From new freight corridors to cutting-edge digital traffic systems, the impact of the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy on commercial drivers and the wider mobility industry could be transformational.Roads are just one part of the UK’s transport mix – but they carry the overwhelming majority of goods. , 81% of domestic freight and 75% of imports and exports move by road, making it the backbone of UK logistics and the economy.And, despite making up just over two per cent of the UK’s road network by length, the carries 34% of all road journeys – including many of the most time-sensitive, high-volume freight routes. For the drivers using them, their condition and capacity have a direct impact on safety, efficiency and delivery performance. However, data shows that around 24,500 miles – more than one in every 10 miles – of the network in England and Wales is likely to require maintenance in the next 12 months.A number of recent emergency bridge closures have further exposed how vulnerable the network has become. In some areas, cracked support structures and decades-old concrete have created dangerous conditions for all road users – especially HGVs, which are often the first to face weight restrictions or forced rerouting.The government has responded with a new £1 billion fund to repair and rebuild deteriorating bridges, crossings and flyovers as part of its infrastructure strategy. It’s a welcome step – and one that reflects growing industry pressure. For professional drivers, it could mean fewer detours, fewer sudden restrictions, and less time lost to infrastructure that isn’t fit for modern logistics.But safety isn’t just about avoiding catastrophic failures. It’s also about long-term resilience – ensuring roads, bridges and lay-bys are maintained properly before they become hazards. This renewed focus on maintenance signals that road upkeep may finally start to match the scale, size and speed of the vehicles that depend on it.While high-profile projects dominate announcements, it’s often the everyday condition of the road surface that has the biggest impact on drivers. For those in haulage, potholes are more than a nuisance – they’re a persistent safety hazard and a costly burden.Repeated exposure to uneven surfaces increases wear and tear on HGVs, damages tyres and suspension and contributes to driver fatigue. In some cases, pothole damage has forced vehicles off the road for emergency repairs, disrupting deliveries and affecting service-level agreements.For drivers, the risks are personal. Trying to avoid potholes – especially on narrow or busy roads – can lead to dangerous manoeuvres. Add poor weather, limited lighting or tight delivery schedules and the stakes only rise.As part of its wider infrastructure push, the government has allocated as part of the Plan for Change to upgrade local infrastructure, including potholes, cracked surfaces and worn-out carriageways. The aim is to bring roads up to a safer, more reliable standard – particularly on freight-heavy routes.It won’t fix the problem overnight, but it marks a shift in priorities – recognising that driver welfare starts with the basics, and that a safe, comfortable journey depends on well-maintained roads.For fleets, the knock-on benefits include fewer unplanned repairs, lower insurance claims and less driver downtime. For drivers, it means fewer jolts, less stress and one less thing to worry about on a long shift.Driver welfare is front and centre of modern transport conversation. Long hours, delayed schedules and inadequate facilities have taken their toll. But the government’s latest plans offer hope for a safer, better-connected network.Across the UK, driver facilities have struggled to keep up with demand. Parking is often limited, services are stretched and many rest areas fall short on comfort and security – especially for long-haul operations. That’s why the government is also : more secure parking, better welfare amenities and planning reforms to speed up the development of new sites.At the same time, investment in charging and refuelling hubs for electric and hydrogen trucks is accelerating. Moto, for example, has committed to installing over 300 HGV electric chargers at 23 motorway locations, while Ashford Truckstop is being transformed into a major charging hub for cross-Channel freight. These facilities aren’t just about keeping vehicles moving – they’re about giving drivers safe, well-equipped places to rest and recharge themselves.If your drivers are looking for a safe place to stop, our intruck app allows them to identify and book rest stops across the UK and Europe. Traffic jams, unpredictable routes and pressure to hit delivery windows contribute to driver stress and fatigue – and they make the road a more dangerous place to be.Major infrastructure upgrades like the Lower Thames Crossing, A66 dualling and M60 Simister Island improvements are designed to reduce congestion and cut accident risks at some of the UK’s most notorious pinch points. In addition, there’s still a push to introduce digital tools that support safer, smoother journeys. Real-time traffic alerts, smart detection systems and better traffic management will help fleet managers and drivers respond quickly to disruptions and reroute where needed. is already laying the groundwork, with smart infrastructure that can detect hazards earlier, manage traffic flows more intelligently and communicate clearer, real-time updates.A step forward for mobility and driver welfare. The coordinated national effort to tackle the UK’s infrastructure backlog and to modernise the roads in a way that benefits the drivers who rely on them most.The real test will be in delivery. Turning funding into tangible improvements will require listening to drivers, learning from frontline experience and measuring success by how the roads feel – not just what they cost.“This new wave of investment isn’t just about cutting journey times,” says Stuart Willetts, UK Business Development Manager, at SNAP. “It’s about building a transport network that supports driver wellbeing and operational efficiency and the clean mobility transition. We can’t wait to see the results.”Use the near you – no matter what road you’re on.