DHL Uses Bio-LNG Vehicles to Serve British Multinational Retailer M&S

(DHL Supply Chain UK/NGV Journal) DHL Supply Chain will be introducing 20 bio-LNG trucks into its Marks & Spencer (M&S) fleet, replacing 20 diesel vehicles. The new Volvo FH LNG tractor units will support both DHL’s GoGreen plan and M&S’ Plan A, which focuses on building a more sustainable future. DHL Supply Chain has been a long-term strategic partner for M&S and currently provides warehousing and transport support for M&S Clothing and Home.

The new bio-LNG vehicles follow DHL Supply Chain first delivery of 13 Volvo LNG trucks which arrived in January this year. All are equipped with Globetrotter cabs and specified with 155kg LNG tanks for a maximum range of 1,000km. The latest 20 trucks will operate across the M&S fleet in Peterborough, Swindon and Castle Donington.

These trucks will deliver up to 80% reduction in carbon emissions when fueled with bio-LNG and 10-20% with fossil natural gas. It is projected that, by replacing 20 diesel trucks with bio-LNG, carbon emissions in the M&S fleet will be reduced by 2,200 tons a year.

“As an industry leader, we have a responsibility to demonstrate innovation and initiative by providing sustainable solutions for our customers. Employing alternative fuel vehicles is an important part of our GoGreen mission and net zero ambition, and bio-LNG is a cleaner and more sustainable option to significantly reduce carbon emissions,” said Gavin Murdoch, MD Transport, DHL Supply Chain

Tim Greenwood, Head of Transport, Marks & Spencer also commented: “We are committed to reducing our environmental impact in line with our Plan A sustainability action plan. It’s important to us that our partners’ values and ambitions align with ours and that’s one of the reasons we have a long-standing relationship with DHL. Replacing diesel trucks for brand new bio-LNG vehicles is a good step forward in reducing our carbon emissions.”

The new Volvo FH LNGs use small amounts of diesel to initiate ignition of the air-fuel mixture. This enables the Volvo G13C engine to deliver the same 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque as its diesel-only counterpart, with matching drivability, reliability, and service intervals. DHL is accelerating its investment in natural gas trucks and aims to have more than 500 NGVs operating across its fleet by 2025. READ MORE