Flogas cuts carbon and costs with Bio-LNG trucks
Aug 13, 2019
LPG and LNG supplier Flogas Britain has added two Bio-LNG powered trucks to its fleet, in a move that will see them cut carbon emissions by more than 80%* and significantly reduce costs.
The new trucks are part of the company’s wider ambition to build a lower carbon future in the UK – as it commits to supply customers with 100% renewable energy solutions by 2040.
The two, new Volvo FM tractor units, which will be fully operational in August, will be used for logistical operations, transporting bulk LPG and LNG nationwide. They will join Flogas’s leading delivery network, which also includes a number of dual fuel and electric hybrid-powered vehicles, as part of long-term plans to grow its fleet of alternatively fuelled vehicles.
“These trucks are just the first of many, as we look to make our 200-strong fleet cleaner, greener and increasingly futureproof,” says Flogas’s newly appointed National Account Manager for Alternative Transport Fuels, James Goodson. “They will each be powered by renewable Bio-LNG – a highly sustainable biofuel that’s produced during the anaerobic digestion process. This means they’ll be 50% quieter; they’ll release significantly fewer pollutants and fuel costs will be far lower.
“As a leading LNG supplier in the UK, at Flogas we understand the critical role this fuel will play as we face stringent government targets to tackle carbon emissions and improve air quality. Whilst it’s still in its infancy in the transport industry, the strong environmental and cost-saving benefits compared to conventional fuels, means LNG is set to become the fuel of choice for heavy goods vehicles.
“Hauliers have long faced the challenge of how to reduce their carbon footprint efficiently and cost-effectively. LNG is not just an immediate fix – it’s a long term, reliable solution that makes business sense, and that’s exactly why we’re championing it with our own fleet.”
Flogas opted for the Bio-LNG Volvo trucks following in-depth trials with a number of different manufacturers, where a number of vehicles were put through their paces fulfilling both bulk and cylinder operations.
“When it came to delivering the cleanest emissions, the lowest noise and most efficient running costs, Volvo trucks came out on top,” says Flogas’s Head of Logistics, Tim Eaton.
“This is the first time we’ve worked with Volvo, but they have strong experience in LNG-powered vehicles, and the results of the trials simply spoke for themselves. We’re excited to get these trucks on the road, and growing our Bio-LNG-powered fleet further.”
The 6x2 Volvo Artic trucks have a tank range of approximately 400-450 miles and are capable of pulling a maximum gross weight of 44 tonnes. Powered by Volvo’s G13C460 LNG engines, their power and speed is comparable to standard diesel trucks – developing 460hp (at 1,700-1800rpm) with a torque figure of 2,300Nm (delivered from 1,100 to 1,300rpm).
*Compared to conventional diesel engines (source NGVA).
