Compressed and liquefied gases giant BOC is helping Stobart Group to quantify the benefits of low-carbon LNG (liquefied natural gas) as fuel for its HGV fleet.
The two organisations are taking part in the £23 million programme, coordinated by the government's Technology Strategy Board, to assess and encourage uptake of sustainable, low-carbon commercial vehicles.
BOC is providing refuelling facilities for Eddie Stobart's fleet of dual-fuel LNG and diesel trucks at one of the haulier's regional hubs, with scope for other operators to use the facilities, too.
The project will track the usage of LNG – which typically accounts for up to 65—70% of total fuel consumption for these dual-fuel tractor units – as well as the reduction in CO2 emissions. It will also provide an opportunity to assess BOC's refuelling technology.
BOC's part of the bargain is supply of its high-efficiency 'no-loss' technology, using its expertise in cryogenic cooling technology to temperature-condition the fuel just prior to dispensing.
This is claimed to ensure that no fuel is lost to evaporation and venting during the refuelling process – whereas, typically, 20% is lost, meaning a significant cost and carbon saving.
The LNG dispensing systems have been engineered with gas-leak detection sensors linked to automatic shutdown systems and other safety features.
Kate Willard, Stobart Group corporate affairs director, believes that the evaluation of the vehicles and the refuelling technologies, as an integrated part of the operator's large truck fleet, will help identify further technology refinements and provide opportunities to improve sustainability in logistics.
"The dual-fuel technology will help deliver cost control and reduced emissions for the group and our customers," comments Willard.
"We very much look forward to working with the Technology Strategy Board and BOC to use this funding to encourage more investment in critical technological solutions such as these."
