Fully-Electric HGV Added to Fleet

Kinaxia Logistics has added the first fully-electric Volvo HGV to its fleet as the company continues to invest in its environmental and emissions reduction strategy and help customers to decarbonise their supply chains. The new Volvo FM 4×2 tractor unit, which has a range of 200 miles and is powered by six batteries and three electric motors, was supplied by award-winning Volvo dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials.

It is being deployed to move stock for Vaillant, which manufactures heat pumps and high-efficiency boilers to help decarbonise home heating in the UK. The zero-emissions vehicle, which replaces a diesel truck, is being used to transport goods from Vaillant’s manufacturing plant in Belper, Derbyshire, to a national distribution centre seven miles away at Denby.

Kinaxia says the tractor unit will reduce delivery emissions for Vaillant by more than 21,600kg CO2e a year. The electric truck complements other eco-friendly vehicles in Kinaxia’s fleet which are powered by compressed natural gas and hydrotreated vegetable oil, as part of its mission to help customers remove carbon emissions from their supply chains and meet environmental targets.

Simon Nelson, managing director of Kinaxia’s contract logistics operations, said: “We announced at the start of the year that we would be investing further in sustainability measures, and this new electric vehicle sits alongside other recent initiatives, including our greater use of technology and our K-Link distribution network which reduces delivery miles and emissions for customers. This upgrade supports Vaillant’s goal to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 and there are great synergies between both businesses, as we drive decarbonisation of our customer supply chains and Vaillant supports the decarbonisation of home heating through the design and manufacture of low-carbon systems.”

Nick Bennett, supply chain director at Vaillant Group UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to have invested in a more efficient fleet, launching our very first fully- electric lorry which supports us on our journey to net zero. At Vaillant, we are driving the transition to decarbonising home heating with our heat pump technology, so this new vehicle moves us forward in a positive way whilst we consider how we further decarbonise the whole supply chain. Partnering with Kinaxia and Volvo has allowed us all to work together with a shared sustainability vision. We see this as the first of many electric vehicles yet to be introduced into our fleet.”

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Cheshire, has 1,600 staff nationwide and operates a fleet of 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.
The company’s national network of hubs provides a full source-to-shelf logistics service. It has 2.7 million sq ft of strategic national warehousing facilities offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

similar news

Jungheinrich helps Vaillant switch to lithium-ion

 

Alternative Fuel Programme to Accelerate Sustainable Logistics

Girteka, the European transport company, has announced its new Alternative Fuel Programme (AFP), a key initiative in the company’s drive to decarbonize logistics operations by integrating HVO fuel into daily operations. This innovative program is designed to help customers reduce their Scope 3 emissions from road transportation by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel.

How the Alternative Fuel Program Works

The AFP is specifically tailored for companies with long-term contracts that are committed to sustainability and looking to significantly reduce their transport emissions. The process is simple – when customers opt for transportation services using HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), Girteka utilizes trucks in areas with the necessary infrastructure to refuel with this alternative fuel. The amount of fuel required for the customer’s transport is matched, even if it’s used by another truck in the network. Customers then receive a detailed report showing the emissions reductions achieved through their participation. The program is available to customers with dedicated lanes, excluding spot market services.

“Sustainability is becoming now a core part of corporate strategies,” said Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability at Girteka. “With the Alternative Fuel Programme, we offer our customers a reliable and transparent way to reduce emissions, without requiring them to redesign their existing supply chains.”

Benefits for Customers

Participating in the Alternative Fuel Programme brings several benefits:
• Emissions Reduction: Up to a 90% reduction in emissions compared to diesel, helping customers meet EU climate goals.
• Transparency: All transport is traceable, with fuel and emissions data available for audits and sustainability reporting.
• Certification: The fuel used is certified by suppliers, ensuring full traceability and transparency.
• Corporate Reputation: Companies benefit from enhanced public perception, as consumers increasingly prioritize products transported with lower emissions.

At the core of Girteka’s Alternative Fuel Programme is a rigorous emissions calculation methodology based on the GLEC framework. This ensures that emissions reductions are accurately measured, making the data trustworthy and audit-ready.

“Our calculations are directly tied to each transported load,” said Terekė, “We can show our customers exactly which truck was used, when it was refueled, and with what kind of fuel. Each refueling transaction is fully certified by our fuel suppliers, so there’s no room for guesswork.”

A Transparent and Scalable Approach to Emissions Reduction

Unlike Book & Claim programs or mass balancing, Girteka’s AFP is an intermediate solution that offers both the traceability of direct emissions reductions and the scalability needed for larger operations. Similar initiatives in the aviation and ocean freight sectors focus on balancing emissions without the same level of direct impact.

One of Girteka’s strategic partners has already integrated the AFP into its operations. “We were looking for ways to reduce our transport emissions without disrupting our supply chain, and Girteka’s AFP provided exactly what we needed. The transparency, traceability and reporting of the program gave us confidence, and we’ve been able to significantly improve our sustainability reporting,” said a company representative.

Since its launch, the program has already attracted dozens of similar strategic partners, with interest continuing to grow as more companies recognize the tangible benefits of reducing emissions in a traceable, transparent way. Alternative Fuel Programme is designed to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals while reducing emissions in a practical and transparent way. As the demand for cleaner transport solutions grows, the AFP offers a viable alternative to traditional fuel methods, helping companies make a real impact in decarbonizing the logistics sector.

similar news

DKV Euro Service partners with Girteka Logistics

 

 

HVO Fuel Trial to Reduce Carbon Emissions

As part of their long-standing relationship, Suttons Tankers and Nippon Gases UKI, part of Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation have embarked on a three-month Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) trial. This collaboration aims to reduce carbon emissions within Nippon Gases’ logistics operations.

Last year, Suttons Tankers trialled HVO fuel across a selection of its fleet, achieving an 80% reduction in carbon emissions. Building on this experience, Suttons Tankers and Nippon Gases UKI are now working together to understand the potential benefits of HVO in their operations.

HVO is a renewable fuel made from used cooking oil and waste feedstocks, offering up to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel. Suttons is using HVO certified by Zemo Partnership, with the sustainability of the feedstocks and supply chain certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).

During the trial, a selected fleet of Suttons Tankers’ vehicles based in Stockton and dedicated to Nippon Gases will operate on a blend of HVO, with performance data being gathered to assess the impact on fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. The first month of the trial with Nippon Gases has already resulted in an emission reduction of 87 tonnes.

Rajat Bhardwaj, ESG Manager at Suttons Tankers Limited, commented: “This trial builds on our previous success with HVO, and we are eager to see how it continues to reduce emissions. The initial results are promising, and we’re committed to finding sustainable solutions for our customers.”

Joanne Rawlinson, Supply Chain Manager at Nippon Gases UKI, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Suttons Tankers on this HVO fuel trial. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. The early results are encouraging, and we look forward to exploring the long-term benefits of HVO fuel in our entire logistics operations.”

Nippon Gases and Suttons Tankers recognise their responsibility to a sustainable future and are committed to exploring innovative solutions that contribute to reducing environmental impact. The trial’s outcomes will inform the potential for a wider roll-out of HVO across Suttons Tankers’ Nippon Gases fleet, contributing to long-term sustainability goals.

similar news

https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/transport-distribution/haulage-freight-forwarding/suttons-secures-bumper-contract-industrial-gases-giant/

 

DHL Transitions Fuelling from Diesel to HVO

DHL Supply Chain has announced the acceleration of its UK road transport decarbonisation strategy. In addition to investments already made in deploying vehicles running on biogas and electric vehicles, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel is now actively being rolled out across the majority of its on-site fuelling stations throughout the UK, enabling DHL to assess operational processes and the performance of the fuel. With installation scheduled for completion by the end of the year, transitioning to HVO fuel will deliver 80-90% carbon savings compared to diesel; with an estimated total of 15,000 tonnes of CO2e savings being expected to be delivered.

Produced from biomass such as used cooking oils and waste from food manufacture, HVO is a drop-in fuel, meaning it can be used within existing vehicles without compromising operational performance; removing the need for new infrastructure or fleet.

Saul Resnick, CEO, DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland said, “The installation of HVO fuel across our bunkered sites represents a critical moment in our multi-fuel decarbonisation strategy. HVO improves our service to customers by introducing a low-carbon renewable alternative fuel with minimal disruption. As an industry leader, we are rolling out HVO at scale and with impressive pace, to deliver immediate and substantial carbon savings while we continue to work towards viable zero-emission alternatives. We are extending an invitation to our customers to join us on this transformative journey, and actively collaborate with us in adopting these greener alternatives, we can provide them with a powerful tool to make their supply chains greener.”

More than six million litres of HVO fuel will be rolled out within DHL’s on-site fuelling stations this year, replacing diesel in 20 locations across the UK. In 2024, the business plans to install additional fuel bunkers across its network, increasing its use of HVO fuel to over 24 million litres, and with the effect of a full year, the carbon savings impact will be even greater.

The roll-out of HVO fuel in the UK brings to life DHL’s recently announced Green Transport Policy, a global standard on the most suitable green alternative per market. The Policy comes with an investment of around 200 million euros in alternative technologies and fuels to reduce close to 300,000 tons of CO2 emissions in the next three years in partnership with customers.

Alternative Fuelling for Diesel Forklifts

Hyster has introduced new, alternative engine fuelling options which enables its big trucks and A Series IC forklifts to use HVO 100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) according to the EN15940 standard. In addition, the H2.0-3.5A A Series lift trucks can use GTL (Gas to Liquid) and BtL (Biomass to Liquid) fuels. These alternatives to diesel may help reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, supporting businesses in lowering their carbon footprint.

“While electrification of higher capacity lift trucks is moving forward, it is not yet the right solution for every application,” explains Rob Maris, Product Strategy Manager Big Trucks for Hyster Europe. “The initial cost of electric lift trucks along with the infrastructure and charging upgrades required can often delay adoption. And for the largest trucks, battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology simply isn’t there yet.”

“Switching to greener fuel types, such as HVO100, may offer a stop-gap solution for some businesses to reduce their carbon footprint while moving towards electrification,” Rob continues. HVO is a paraffinic bio-based liquid fuel originating from many kinds of vegetable oils, such as rapeseed, sunflower, and soybean oil, as well as animal fats. It can be used in conventional diesel engines, pure or blended with fossil diesel (Petro diesel). However, some minor modifications may be required in the fuelling systems due to the ethanol content.

Hyster A Series models are also capable of running on GTL and BtL fuel types. GTL is an alternative fuel derived from natural gas, which may produce fewer emissions and pollutants than conventional crude oil-based diesel. BtL fuels are synthetic fuels made from biomass – generally from solid biomass such as firewood, organic waste and animal meal. They may reduce emissions of particulate, hydrocarbons, CO, and CO2.

Hyster A Series lift trucks can be delivered ex-factory, readily equipped for use with alternative fuels. To enable HVO 100 to be used with Hyster Big Trucks, Empty Container Handlers, or ReachStackers, an aftermarket kit has been made available.

The solution supports compliance with Tier III, Tier IV, and Stage V emissions regulations and can be easily applied in the field, or factory-fitted for new equipment. Nitrile Rubber (NBR) seals in the fuel system replaced with FKM seals; a fluorinated, carbon-based synthetic rubber with long-term resistance to the effects of ethanol. Current fuel lines and other components used already have good resistance to the long-term effects of HVO.

Depending on the application and duty cycle, a fuel economy reduction of up to 0 – 6 percent on Big Trucks is also possible, compared to regular diesel fuel. At the same time, using HVO100 has no negative impact on a lift truck’s existing emissions improvement technologies, such as Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems. These alternative fuels also have no adverse effects on the durability of lift truck and container handler engine components, while delivering similar engine power output.
“Making HVO 100 a fuel option for Big Trucks is one of many Hyster projects relating to power options,” says Rob. “We continue to explore and provide new solutions to help businesses manage emissions from handling equipment at every stage of the journey towards electrification.”

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.