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Month: December 2021

Port of Felixstowe tops 100 million TEU

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Port of Felixstowe has passed the 100 million TEU mark since it handled its first container in the 1960s.

The 100th million TEU was loaded at Berth 8, the port’s newest facility and one of four berths at the UK’S largest container port capable of handling the world’s largest container ships.

Commenting at a ceremony to mark the occasion, UK Maritime Minister Robert Courts MP said: “The tens of thousands of maritime workers who keep our critical goods and supplies moving are the backbone of our freight sector, and kept this country’s supplies moving throughout the pandemic.

“Congratulations to the Port of Felixstowe on the 100 millionth TEU being loaded, which is a landmark moment for the UK’s busiest container port.”

Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Felixstowe, said: “The Port of Felixstowe has been setting the benchmark for UK container ports since we handled the first Sealand containers in what was then the Dock Basin in 1966. We followed that with the first operational container terminal the following year and have been leading the way ever since.”

Clemence Cheng, Managing Director, Hutchison Ports Europe, added: “Looking to the future we are committed to continual investment, upgrading existing facilities, building new infrastructure and constantly improving systems, equipment and the way we work to deliver the level of service our customers require.

“As the number of ultra-large container ships increases we are continuing to invest in the facilities they require. Berth 7 has been deepened to 16.5m and next year we will increase Berth 6 to the same depth and future-proof Berths 8&9 by increasing them to 18m, further enhancing our ability to work the largest container ships afloat.

“At the same time we will be driving forward our agenda to ensure we do this whilst cutting our environmental impact and working towards net-zero emissions.”

The work to deepen berths complements work being undertaken by Harwich Haven Authority to deepen the port’s main navigation channel from 14.5m to 16.0m. The additional depth in the harbour and seaward approaches will provide unrivalled deep-water access for the growing numbers of super-sized vessels that serve UK trade.

BlueBox and Tive sign strategic partnership

Posted on by Keith McKinley

BlueBox Systems, provider of the BlueBoxAir tracking platform that monitors air cargo in real time, and leading in-transit visibility provider Tive have announced a strategic partnership aimed at effectively reducing delays and damage on global air cargo routes by combining their respective solutions.

BlueBox Systems’ BlueBoxAir real-time tracking platform enables companies, shippers and logistics service providers to track air cargo shipments down to the minute, compare airlines, airports or entire supply chains for performance metrics. In addition, the platform offers the possibility to display and compensate the real CO2 values of a shipment. Due to the open structure, third-party tracking systems can be integrated without any problems, thus refining the data even further. For this reason, the partnership with Tive is the logical step.

“For us, Tive is one of the most important drivers in the digitalization of logistics,” said Martin Schulze, CEO, BlueBox Systems. “With their monitoring and tracking solutions, they already offer the market a portfolio of both innovative and future-oriented solutions. So, it is logical for us to enter a partnership with Tive and jointly develop value for our customers.”

“The next generation of in-transit visibility is adding more ways to deliver meaningful data in real-time, so logistics professionals can actively manage shipments and eliminate delays and damage,” said Krenar Komoni, Founder and CEO, Tive. “Hyper-accurate location and condition are a cornerstone – and together with BlueBox Systems we are creating a new industry standard in saving air freight loads.”

BP acquires stake in biomethane provider

Posted on by Keith McKinley

BP has acquired a 28.57% stake in Gasrec, the UK’s largest dual provider of bio-Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and bio-Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to road transport. The company builds, owns and operates biomethane refuelling stations, providing renewable solutions to the HGV industry.

BP will supply Gasrec with renewable biomethane produced mainly from organic wastes, such as food and dairy manure. The investment will expand BP’s UK footprint in renewable gas production and distribution, adding to its market leading position in the US.

Carol Howle, EVP Trading and Shipping at BP, said: “Bio-LNG and bio-CNG play a crucial role in the energy transition and decarbonisation of the heavy-freight industry and is another example of how we’re helping decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors. We’re excited to work with an industry leader like Gasrec to increase the supply of biomethane for HGV customers. This investment further expands BP’s global renewable gas portfolio, an area which we believe will have an increasingly important role on the path to net zero.”

Founded in 2003, Gasrec was the UK’s first supplier of biomethane to the road transport sector. Its customers include some of the UK’s biggest retailers, parcel delivery companies and hauliers – Asda, Ocado, Gregory Distribution and Reed Boardall. By offering lower-carbon solutions for HGVs, Gasrec lowers the carbon emissions associated with the road transport supply chain and the customers who transport goods.

Gasrec’s network of 10 biomethane refuelling stations across the UK is capable of refuelling approximately 1,250 vehicles per day and includes one of Europe’s largest gas refuelling stations, at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). With a strong market position, refuelling around 40% of the UK’s gas-powered HGVs, Gasrec is seeking to expand its network of refuelling stations at logistics parks.

In the UK, road transport is reported as being responsible for 27% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. HGVs represent just 5% of vehicle miles travelled, yet their associated emissions are disproportionately greater, producing around 16% of road transport emissions. Renewable gas is an important part of the energy transition for the HGV sector, providing a commercially viable option for fleet owners to reduce their carbon footprint by up to 85% in comparison to diesel.

From producing and supplying biomethane through to building and operating the fuelling stations, BP and Gasrec are well positioned to meet the increasing demand for reliable, renewable gas solutions.

Rob Wood, CEO of Gasrec, said: “This agreement is an important milestone for our company as we look to continue increasing our impact on the UK’s heavy goods vehicle industry. Building on our 18 years’ experience and leading position in the HGV gas supply industry, we are excited to be working with BP to help expand our reach.”

Laser sensor and QR code face recognition

Posted on by David Priestman

Denso Wave Europe, a member of the Toyota Group, offers effective security solutions based on state-of-the-art technologies from the auto-ID and automotive industries. For example, the Zone-D laser sensor from DENSO ensures more security. Intelligent perimeter protection is made possible thanks to the 2D scan of the innovative laser sensor. Unlike line or curtain type sensors, the Zone-D laser sensor scans entire property areas and precisely detects the position of moving objects. Compared to a CCTV, the automatic tracking system of the Zone-D laser sensor covers a larger radius: CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO.

Video management software

Thanks to a new driver developed by Denso Wave Europe, the Zone-D laser sensor can now be integrated into the Milestone video management software. This software brings all the components of video surveillance together to protect the safety of people and property.

Since the Zone-D laser sensor from Denso can be connected to cameras for automatic tracking of detected objects, this new solution is ideal. In addition, other external devices, such as lights and sirens, can be connected to the Zone-D laser sensor and then be activated.

Milestone is already used successfully in more than 500,000 installations worldwide and with the Zone-D laser sensor from Denso, companies can create an individual monitoring system. What is special about the Zone-D laser sensor is the fact that the areas that it monitors can be divided into individual zones. For example, a green zone can be marked so that no special alarm is activated. A red zone, however, can be marked if it requires special protection.

The areas of application of the Zone-D laser sensor from Denso are practically limitless. The laser sensor can monitor car dealers, water reservoirs, railway crossings or airports, as it communicates with the necessary devices as required by the respective application.

Secure admission controls

Another effective security solution from Denso is, in addition to the Zone-D laser sensor, the QR Code Facial Recognition. Access controls have become more and more important, especially during the pandemic, and are discussed in many places.

The QR Code Facial Recognition from Denso offers the advantage that users do not have to use databases. Instead, the Secure QR Code (SQRC) from Denso is the solution. The SQRC from Denso is an encrypted 2D code on which facial features of a person are stored. At the access or verification point, these facial features on the Secure QR Code are compared with the face of the person who wants access. The authentication process takes place completely offline.

The experts at Denso Wave Europe know how important the subject of safety is. With the Zone-D laser sensor and the QR Code Facial Recognition, companies can effectively protect properties and facilities, but also their employees individually – now and in the future.

For the European market, Denso Wave Europe is the contact point for all enquiries on RFID, QR Codes, mobile data collection, handheld terminals, and scanners. The durable and robust terminals and scanners manufactured by Denso are to be found in storage, logistics, at the POS, in production, and field & sales automation applications.

Short and informative video clips about the terminals, scanners, and solutions from Denso Wave Europe can now be viewed on YouTube. The clips include the 20th anniversary of the QR Code, a company presentation, and introductions to the various devices for mobile data capture such as the BHT-1500, BHT-1400 and the GT20 scanner. CLICK HERE TO WATCH.

PD Ports aims for net zero with Konecranes

Posted on by Keith McKinley

PD Ports, owner and operator of Teesport, the fifth largest port in the UK, has contracted specialist crane manufacturer Konecranes to convert the primary power supply of four diesel-driven Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes (RTGs) to electric, boosting operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

This is the first phase of a wider electrification process, totalling over £2m of investment by PD Ports, and will mean that 70% of PD Ports’ RTG fleet runs on electric, demonstrating the latest step in an ongoing journey of decarbonisation for the port operator who aims to reach carbon-neutrality across its Tees-based operations by 2027.

The process, which will be carried out by Konecranes, involves the removal of all diesel components. This will completely eliminate the consumption of diesel fuel, instead allowing the equipment to run wholly on electric – significantly reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution as well as lowering maintenance requirements.

Frans Calje, PD Ports CEO, said: “The implementation of alternative, cleaner energy supplies is one of the key components to our long-term vision for Teesport and is another step in achieving our 30-year plan in which we aim to work with customers and stakeholders to elevate the River Tees to the UK’s most successful port region by 2050.

“PD Ports is a key piece of national infrastructure and as the Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees, we have a duty to ensure that we continuously work to reduce our impact on the environment throughout our operations.

“As long-standing partners of Konecranes, we are very much looking forward to working with them on this project and delivering on our commitment to developing clean, sustainable port technology.”

Each RTG will take an average of three weeks to covert meaning the project, which will extend the lifespan of the equipment for an additional decade, is due for completion in early 2022.

During the retrofit, Konecranes will also be installing fibre optics which will future-proof the RTGs, enabling continuous upgrades and access to enhanced features, such as remote operations, meaning the equipment will be central to increasing both efficiencies and productivity for PD Ports.

Paolo Dazi, Konecranes Port Services Senior Vice President, said: ‘’We are dedicated to helping ports and terminal operators grow through sustainable, digital and adaptable service solutions. The trust PD Ports has shown in us, as equipment lifecycle experts is really exciting and rewards our ambition to keep increasing customers’ operational efficiency, safety and equipment sustainability.’’

Drinks wholesaler deploys articulated forklift fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

LWC Drinks Ltd – the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler – has introduced a fleet of space-saving Flexi Truck very narrow aisle (VNA) articulated forklifts across its nationwide estate of distribution depots, including the company’s recently opened new 173,000 sq ft bonded DC in Chadderton, Oldham.

The Oldham site – located just 10 miles from Manchester city centre, and 1.5 miles from junctions 20 and 21 of the M60 – is twice the size of LWC’s previous local facility at nearby Openshaw and represents an investment of £12.5 million for the company.

The national beverage wholesaler’s success has been built and continues to rely upon the smooth running of its supply chain network. Across most of the country same-day delivery is offered seven-days-a-week from LWC’s network of 14 depots. Meanwhile, in those areas where same-day delivery is not possible, LWC offer a next-day service to a client base that includes some 13,500 licensed establishments across both the on-and off-trade.

The Oldham site also features a dedicated area for Click N Drink, LWC’s DTC division, which it launched in 2020 when the majority of its trade customers had been forced to shut down to comply with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions that were having such a devastating impact on swathes of the hospitality and leisure sectors.

With a relentlessly demanding delivery schedule and a product range comprised of more than 8,000 lines – including over 1,200 draughts, 500 bottled beers, 200 ciders, 2,800 spirits, 1,500 wines and 1,300 soft drinks – efficient and cost-effective storage systems and reliable materials handling equipment are essential for LWC.

Long-standing advocate

“LWC has long been an advocate of Flexi Truck space saving technology across its business and the intralogistics systems in operation throughout LWC’s national depot network have been based on Flexi Truck technology for many years,” said John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd – the West Midlands-based designer and manufacturer of the Flexi Truck range.

“By providing a highly cost-effective format that is reproduced by LWC at all of its sites, Flexi Trucks deliver tremendous space savings within the stores as well as synergies with the company’s other handling equipment that enables LWC’s truck operators’ existing skills to be utilised – an important consideration in the current climate when qualified lift truck drivers are in short supply.”

The new very narrow aisle FLEXI Truck articulated forklifts supplied to LWC, are the latest ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models to be developed by Narrow Aisle Ltd. ‘Digital’ Flexis require minimal maintenance, which means that they ensure optimum ‘up time’ while the trucks’ ultra-efficient battery system allows sustained levels of performance to be achieved so that even the most demanding pallet throughput targets can be met.

Ease of operation and, therefore, pallet put-away and picking speed, is further enhanced by the trucks’ unique independent digital power-steering which makes Flexi Trucks particularly easy to manoeuvre within aisleways.

Articulated ‘over rotation’ and smooth digital steering combine to ensure that one turn of a Flexi Truck’s steering wheel is all that is required to enter or de-stack a pallet.

IT investment

The drinks wholesaler has introduced a new warehouse management system (WMS) and duty management system at the Oldham site. The IT investment will help standardise LWC’s operations across its distribution network and ensure that the company continues to perform as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The data capture devices that link the materials handling equipment to the WMS are mounted on the Flexi Truck’s unique ‘Halo Bar’ – an innovative accessory option that acts as a mounting for RDTs, hands-free order picking screens, label printers etc and delivers unobstructed operator forward vision so that Flexi Truck drivers can perform productively and safely at all times.

The Flexi Trucks undertake a wide range of duties. For example, LWC’s new machines will be used both outside the Oldham unit and other sites to unload incoming curtain sided trailers and inside the store to deliver pallets directly to the pallet racking system – eliminating the need for the traditional double handling that is often required at facilities where a mix of counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks are deployed.

Because LWC is committed to running its business as sustainably as possible, energy efficiency was an important influence on the company’s MHE purchasing decision. The new ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models provide extended shift life from a single battery that has not only cut energy consumption and brought about a considerable reduction in fleet operating costs at the new Oldham site as well as LWC’s other depot facilities, but has also delivered an upgrade in productivity efficiency due to the reduction in truck downtime required to change or charge batteries.

Battery charging technology

Furthermore, the trucks’ operational efficiency is given an extra boost thanks to an integrated battery charging and changing solution designed and delivered by Narrow Aisle’s Warehouse Systems team.

Featuring operator ‘call-forward’ alert technology to identify the most appropriate fully charged battery when a change is due, the advanced fast charge system will dramatically reduce LWC’s overall mains electricity consumption and, therefore, minimise truck fleet running costs across its properties. The unique 6 hour battery charging time will allow the company to operate with only two batteries per truck on a three-shift usage pattern as required.

Maguire commented: “LWC Drinks Ltd has operated Flexi Truck articulated forklift truck technology across its business for many years. The company recognises the space saving and operational benefits of Flexi Truck technology and we are delighted that we will continue to enjoy such a successful relationship.

“The ‘Digital’ Flexi Trucks supplied to LWC represent the next phase of the iconic Flexi Truck articulated forklift’s development. Designed to minimise the use of battery energy in every work cycle by using digital lift drive and steering systems that are integrated with the latest rapid low energy charging technologies, ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models provide a sustainable and efficient long term solution to users.”

Narrow Aisle is providing fleet management and maintenance support services across the LWC national depot network.

Sitma named “outstanding company” by Kotler

Posted on by David Priestman

Sitma, a specialist in designing and producing solutions for automation in the logistics industry, has been chosen as a case study for the book Essentials of Modern Marketing by Philip Kotler together with Weevo, which looked at more than 30 examples of outstanding Italian companies in different fields of production.

Philip Kotler, the father of modern marketing, chose to focus his study on such criteria as the propensity to innovate and the ability to respond to the needs of the market in a sustainable way.

The book was previewed on 26th November and contains over 30 case studies of exceptional Italian companies, making it the world’s first publication about marketing to focus on success stories in a specific country.

The SME Journal described the work as “the bible of modern marketing”, while the Daily Times defined it “the 21st century book about business, marketing and management”.

The book will be on sale on Amazon, but to avoid wasted paper and long-haul deliveries the printed version will only be available on request, for collection as near as possible to the shipping address. The presentation of the book took place at the H-Farm campus in Treviso, home to many successful companies, and among those present were Orsola Cavina and Denise Gibbin from Sitma’s Marketing department.

They offered the following comments: “Sitma was both honoured and delighted to play a role in Philip’s project. It’s a major recognition of the strategies the company has implemented in recent years. We’re convinced that Sitma’s opportunities for business are only just beginning, and that we’ll have a revolutionary and very considerable impact on the logistics market.”

Sitma says the reasons for its success (and so for its inclusion in Philip Kotler’s project) go far beyond just figures. Sitma’s main accolades have come from the market, which has recognised its inherent capacity to innovate over the years.

The company’s great strength has been its ability to reposition itself in just a few years, achieving excellent results in a totally new and constantly changing market: the field of e-commerce and logistics. It has also managed to find an effective way of relating to the various sectors in which it operates, anticipating trends and constantly supporting its customers, indeed becoming their real partner.

Sitma’s move into the world of logistics began in 2016 when it became the official supplier for Viapost, then went on to be a supplier for Poste Italiane in 2018. Sitma is now is a leading brand in the logistics sector, supplying flexible packaging and sorting systems to the world’s main e-commerce companies, 3PLs, logistics operators, and many national post offices in both Europe and North America.

People and ideas

The changes made by the company did not only concern its approach to the market. First and foremost, Sitma took a good look at itself. The business changed from an entrepreneurial to a managerial structure, introducing new job titles and new company departments, including the Operations Management team, the Marketing Department and the Project Management Department.

A new brand identity was gradually created alongside the process of company renewal, with the recruitment of new young professionals, keen to be part of the transformations in the market and in the company itself.

Sitma is actively pursuing its goal of becoming an increasingly green company. It has introduced processes for calculating its carbon footprint, updating them regularly in line with the latest regulations. The company has introduced improvements and reduced its CO2 emissions, and has also offset emissions by financing well-organised and accredited sustainability projects.

Caja Robotics makes significant appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Caja Robotics, a leader in flexible robotic goods-to-person solutions for order fulfilment, has appointed Dr. Christian E. Baur, formerly CEO of Swisslog, as Senior Advisor. Following a successful rollout of Caja’s warehouse robotic solution in the US and responding to a growing demand for automation in the EU, Baur will support building a strong network of clients and partners to fortify the company’s presence in Europe.

Baur is a software- and robotic-driven automated solutions expert with an entrepreneurial mind for solutions that shape the future of automation and create exceptional customer value. Coming from KUKA and Swisslog, he leverages deep expertise in project-based global businesses, operational excellence, M&A and leadership experience from various companies, including top management consulting. With passionate and dedicated leadership in the software and robotics space, Baur will bring his innovative thinking in digitised logistics solutions to Caja Robotics.

“I am a believer in software, automation and robotics solutions. With Caja’s technology, the future of logistics is here,” said Baur. “Caja is taking all of these and providing a perfect solution to the current logistics market needs, especially for businesses and warehouses that need scalable solutions. I see an epic potential for the future.

“There are only a few mature companies that offer innovative robotic driven goods-to-person solutions, but none like Caja, who really focuses on creating top of the line cloud-based software optimisation of order fulfilment – accomplishing high fulfilment rates, with efficient use of resources. I am very impressed with how flexible and scalable their solution is, making quick ROI feasible.”

Ilan Cohen, CEO at Caja Robotics, said: “We are excited to welcome Chris as Senior Advisor. His vast knowledge and experience are invaluable to Caja, and will serve as a pillar for building our European presence. We look forward to his creative approach and leadership.”

Baur holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Munich and received a doctoral degree from the Technical University of Karlsruhe.

HAI claims success for e-commerce project

Posted on by David Priestman

HAI Robotics, a global leader in Autonomous Case-handling Robotic (ACR) system for warehouse logistics, is calling its first project in the UK with Chinese cross-border warehouse operator WINIT a success, as deliveries for holiday shopping parcels are about to reach customers.

The project provides 120,000 storage locations with shelving height of 4.3m in a 10,000 sq m warehouse in Tamworth, Staffordshire. By deploying 100 HAIPICK A42 robots and 16 On-conveyor Picking Workstations in the warehouse, goods-handling efficiency is improved between three- and four-fold compared with manual work, with a daily handling volume of up to 50,000 pieces.

The warehouse owner WINIT is a Shanghai-based provider of overall solutions for cross-border e-commerce, and runs overseas warehousing and distribution services in Australia, the US and several European countries. With the project going live, it saw its warehouse throughput spiked, comfortably accommodating the inrushing order-fulfilment requests for cross-border warehousing and logistics from merchants around the world, driven by the online shopping boom since the Covid-19 lockdown.

Demands for global warehousing service has dramatically surged with the flourishing cross-border e-commerce businesses in recent. Custom statistics indicate that in 2020, Chinese cross-border trade volume amounted to RMB1.69 trillion (€0.23 trillion), rising 31.1% from the previous year and the figure is estimated to go up to RMB16 trillion (€2.21 trillion) in 2021. By 2020, the number of overseas warehouses owned by Chinese operators exceeded 1,800, totalling more than 12 million sq m in land area.

However, cross-border warehouse operators are often confronted with some hard nuts to crack.

To start with, a major issue that constantly vexes warehouse owners operating overseas is staff shortages and the rising cost of hiring local labourers. They also found it a headache to maintain a stable workforce in their warehouses, which are often located near commercial hubs in industrialised countries, even with above-average level wages. Automating their warehouses has become a pressing issue.

The second challenge is the huge number of SKUs owned by different merchants, which could range from consumer electronics to baby toys. The fact has raised concerns of storage density and picking efficiency. To meet consumers’ growing demands for short parcels delivery time, furnishing a warehouse with robots that can handle complex order-fulfilment tasks can be a rewarding decision.

Last but not least, a flexible warehousing solution that can be swiftly deployed weighs heavily for cross-border warehouse owners whose growing businesses can’t wait for too long.

WINIT, who found no shortcuts to address those concerns, found the HAI Robotics’ solution a good match for the needs of high storage density, goods-handling accuracy, operation efficiency and flexibility.

With the HAIPICK A42 robot that allows picking and sorting with eight loads in one movement, one worker can handle 450 pieces of goods per hour, which is three to four times faster than manual work. The solution has also improved storage density by 130% with spaces from 0.25m to 6.5m high being fully utilised. The HAIPICK system, which supports intelligent totes identification and labels reading, boasts 99.99% picking and sorting accuracy.

Kane Luo, Vice President of Sales from HAI Robotics, said that a customised plan was made for the project to improve performance, including elevated storage density and innovative workflows to facilitate necessary manual work: “We were primarily obliged to provide ACR system. However, we’ve taken into consideration the whole process from inbounds to packaging of outbound goods. The workstations were also ergonomically redesigned according to overseas standards.”

The future of forklifts is electric

Posted on by David Priestman

With more and more forklift truck users opting for electric-power over IC-engine driven machines when the time comes to replace or upgrade their materials handling equipment fleet, the coming years are expected to bring a clear shift away from diesel and LPG towards electric forklifts. Indeed, Toyota Material Handling expect the UK market for electric counterbalanced forklift trucks to grow by as much as 10% in the next five years. In this article, Toyota’s counterbalance specialist, Paul Bowers, considers some of the factors driving the rise of the electric-powered forklift market.

According to the most reliable estimates, the forklift market has historically been split roughly 60/40 between LPG- or diesel-powered internal combustion engine (IC) trucks and battery-driven electric models – with diesel being the most dominant fuel. But the coming years are anticipated to bring a clear shift away from diesel and LPG towards electric forklifts.

At Toyota Material Handling, for example, we expect the UK market for electric counterbalanced forklift trucks to grow by as much as 10% in the next five years as more and more truck users opt for electric-power over IC-engine driven machines when the time comes to replace or upgrade their fleets.

The rise of the electric lift truck can be attributed to a number of different factors – including heightened environmental concerns, rising fuel prices and greater awareness of staff welfare.

Advances in battery technology, such as the further development of lithium-ion and  to a lesser extent (for now) hydrogen fuel cells, are also leading to greater interest in electric power, while the wide-ranging changes to intralogistics processes brought about by the seemingly relentless increase in internet shopping tend to favour electric trucks too.

Of course, environmental issues have been on the corporate agenda for many years but recent talk of the introduction of a ‘carbon emissions tax’ has seen a sharp increase in the truck users that include like-for-like carbon emissions comparisons as part of their forklift fleet purchasing process. IC-engine trucks rarely come top of the class in such tests, which will not be a surprise to many given that electric-powered trucks have always been perceived to have the edge over the IC-engine alternative in all matters ‘green’.

But it would be wrong to conclude that the electric truck market is only growing because diesel sales are in decline: recent developments in technology mean the electric lift truck is now a highly sophisticated product that offers real business benefits to the broadest range of users. And, furthermore, today’s battery-driven forklifts are capable of performing highly effectively within the type of harsh environments that historically only diesel trucks would be considered suitable for.

Perhaps the single biggest technological advance behind the upsurge in electric truck sales is the arrival of the lithium-ion battery. While lead acid remains by far the dominant battery type within the electric-powered forklift market, sales of lithium-ion forklifts have been on a sustained upward curve for some time.

Although it is estimated that in the region of 90% of all electric forklifts in operation throughout the world are still running on lead acid batteries, the lithium-ion solution has now become well established as a viable alternative. Indeed, nearly a quarter of all Toyota electric-powered forklift trucks ordered for delivery in the UK now feature lithium-ion battery (LiB) technology.

Today, lithium-ion is revolutionising the way that some companies operate their intralogistics processes. Lithium-ion batteries have the ability to be recharged in as little as one hour – which increases a truck’s overall availability. One hour’s charging will give in the region of 4 to 5 hours of operating time. Also, as these batteries allow for opportunity charging, trucks can be recharged anywhere by the operator during breaks in a shift or other periods of downtime. As a result, there is no need to swap batteries – so dedicated charging rooms and spare batteries are not necessary.

Hydrogen fuel cells are also emerging as another viable alternative to lead acid batteries. At the present time, Hydrogen only becomes financially realistic where in the region of 90+ trucks are in operation at one location due to the significant investment required in hydrogen generation and storage systems, so the potential user market is currently somewhat limited.

But large fleet operators are keen to embrace the technology and Toyota Hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts are already operating at sites across the Nordic region and Europe as well as Australia. Meanwhile in the automotive sector Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Mirai is at the forefront of a new age of hydrogen fuel cell cars that deliver long distance zero-emissions driving.

Of course, as with any new development, when the product matures the price will drop and there is every reason to believe hydrogen fuel cell power will be within reach of every business with a forklift fleet in the not-too-distant future.

But, despite the worldwide rush to eliminate – or at least minimise – the use of fossil fuels and the myriad benefits that electric trucks offer users in terms of running costs, productivity, reduced pollution etc, it is unlikely that we are witnessing the last days of the diesel-powered lift truck.

There are currently still numerous applications, particularly where extra-heavy lifting is involved and truck capacities of 8t and over are required, where a diesel forklift remains the best option. This might not be the case in 10 years’ time though.

Companies considering switching from IC- to electric-engine forklift trucks, should always discuss their options with their MHE supplier who will be able to assess the benefits of going electric for every type of operation.

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