Howard Tenens’ dual-fuel fleet investment drives down carbon 26 November 2013

Sustainable logistics and dual-fuel pioneering firm Howard Tenens has bought 42 new trucks this year, including 36 Euro 5 dual-fuel (compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel) tractor units, to update and expand its existing fleet.

Catherine Crouch, Howard Tenens' corporate responsibility and sustainability director, explains that it's part of the firm's on-going commitment to cutting carbon emissions and providing a sustainable logistics service to customers.

"By the end of 2013, 88% of Howard Tenens' heavy goods vehicles over 18 tonnes will be running on dual fuel," comments Crouch.

"This is a fantastic achievement, as it means we will have the highest proportion of dual-fuel vehicles of any large UK fleet and we will have taken another major step forward in cutting our carbon emissions," she adds.

Howard Tenens' new dual-fuel trucks are a mix of tractors – 4x2s and 6x2s with the company's revised chassis components conversion, but also new 6x2s with small mid-lifts, all plated up to 44 tonnes – as well as some 26-tonne rigids.

The firm is also now using Prins (previously best known for LPG conversions) instead of its earlier Hardstaff conversions. And they're now on a mix of Mercedes Actros (2544s and 2444s, with standard and small midlifts) as well as DAF (4x2 XF105, 6x2 XF105 with small midlifts and CF75 rigids).

Crouch states that, when operating on diesel and CNG, Howard Tenens' dual-fuel vehicles will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15% compared to running on diesel alone. However, when using biomethane, instead of CNG, those carbon savings increase to 60%.

Emissions of other pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, are also reduced, which will benefit town and city centres currently are struggling to meet air quality limits.

Howard Tenens has been trialling dual-fuel trucks since 2009. Today, it has 25 dual-fuel vehicles across the fleet, operating out of three depots – now increasing to 61.

Gas refuelling stations have been installed at Andover, Aveley and Boston, which not only serve the company's fleet but are also open to third parties.

A new gas station is currently being constructed at its Swindon depot to meet the needs of the new dual-fuel fleet as well as those of customers' vehicles.

Howard Tenens is also heavily involved in three projects funded by the DfT (Department for Transport) and TSB (Technology Strategy Board), designed to monitor the operational and environmental performance of dual-fuel technology.

Crouch says that a high proportion of the vehicles being purchased this year will be involved in the trials, while other low-carbon initiatives – such as low-weight and aerodynamic trailers – will also be evaluated.

Howard Tenens is partnering with John Lewis Partnership on two of these projects.

"We are committed to reducing transport carbon emissions and expect gas dual-fuel trucks to play a large role," comments Justin Laney, fleet manager at John Lewis.

"We are very pleased to be collaborating with Howard Tenens on these projects, sharing knowledge and experience to ensure we make it a success," he adds.

Author
Brian Tinham

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