The development of NanoHubZones enables operators to share transshipment spaces.

These transshipment areas are flexible and designed for use by multiple operators.

This innovation was conceived, designed, and implemented by OVO.

This project is supported by EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. EIT Urban Mobility works to accelerate positive change in mobility to make urban spaces more livable. For more information: eiturbanmobility.eu

Project Summary

NanoHubZone addresses two closely related challenges: (1) traffic congestion and CO₂ emissions generated by conventional urban delivery models, and (2) the limited capacity of public authorities to design, enable, and support the intermodal solutions essential for efficient multimodal logistics. Current last-mile systems still rely heavily on large delivery vehicles, which are often inefficient in dense areas and contribute disproportionately to local pollution. At the same time, shared networks of micro- or nano-logistics hubs remain underdeveloped today.

To improve the sustainability of urban logistics, NanoHubZone is exploring ways to accelerate the deployment of cargo bikes through nano-hubs that enable operational transshipment between traditional logistics flows and low-emission last-mile deliveries. The project is developing and testing the “zone” concept: a modular and scalable configuration of NanoHubs, designed for multi-stakeholder use and supported by a secure booking platform.

Key Results: NanoHubZone deployed and commissioned a total of 16 NanoHubs: 8 in Brussels (2 shared areas, each with 4 NanoHubs, at Rodebeek P+R and Avenue Ariane) and 8 in the Barcelona metropolitan area (multi-city network: Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sabadell, Granollers, Mollet del Vallès, and Mataró). These demonstrations helped engage operators and local governments, test concrete use cases (including multimodal transfers), and produce analyses useful for replication (stakeholder analysis, cost-benefit tools).

Outlook

NanoHubZone paves the way for a new generation of urban logistics that is quieter, cleaner, and better integrated into the city. By demonstrating that a network of modular nano-hubs can be shared among multiple stakeholders via a secure booking platform, the project lays the groundwork for a “public service” infrastructure for the last mile, just like mobility networks. The next steps aim to expand and increase the density of these networks, connect more neighborhoods and cities, and accelerate adoption by operators by making the system simple, reliable, and scalable.

For local governments, NanoHubZone provides a practical tool for addressing urban logistics and supporting the transition: by identifying strategic locations, establishing clear sharing rules, and ensuring a reliable framework in public spaces, cities can facilitate the shift toward low-emission deliveries without waiting for each business model to be fully established. Ultimately, NanoHubZone aims to contribute to less congested urban centers, more efficient deliveries in restricted-access areas, and a sustainable transition in which cargo bikes and multimodal transportation become operational standards.

How does it work?

NanoHubZone operates as a network of micro-transfer points, set up in “zones” at strategic locations. Carriers drop off goods (or equipment) there, and other operators—often on cargo bikes—pick them up to handle the last mile. Each NanoHub is secure, and access is managed through a booking platform: users reserve a time slot, open the hub with a digital key, drop off or pick up packages, and then lock it again.

The intended model is for these infrastructures to be acquired by cities (or made available as part of an urban logistics policy) and operated by a coordinator. This entity handles day-to-day management with the operators (allocation rules, contracts, support, quality of service) to ensure reliable access to shared, secure transshipment spaces that remain available over the long term. Thanks to this system, multiple stakeholders can share the same infrastructure under clear rules, while protecting confidentiality and security. The system facilitates multimodal transport (e.g., van → cargo bike, or even bus → cargo bike) and reduces unnecessary trips by bringing the transshipment point closer to dense or restricted-access neighborhoods.