DP World Southampton Is First Port in Britain Tto Replace Diesel with Vegetable Oil and Cuts Net Emissions by Over 80 Per Cent

(Hellenic Shipping News) DP WORLD’S container terminal at Southampton has taken a major step forward in the journey to net zero by becoming the first port in Britain to eliminate fossil diesel from its operations entirely and transition to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

Diesel previously accounted for 90 per cent of the terminal’s emissions but HVO – a renewable biodiesel derived from sustainable sources – eliminates more than 80 per cent of net carbon dioxide emissions as well as significantly reducing nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide.

John Trenchard, UK Supply Chain Director at DP World, said: “I am delighted that we have successfully made the leap to fuelling all of our fleet and installations at Southampton with HVO. This innovation shows our determination to continue playing our part in helping the UK meet its target of delivering the Government’s Net Zero 2050 policy and improving local air quality.”

DP World first trialled HVO last year, using the fuel in its forklift trucks, reefer (refrigerated unit) generators and straddle carriers (pictured), which lift containers moved by the quay cranes and then service onward forms of transport via road and rail. Based on actual diesel usage calculations and replacing these with HVO technical data, a net carbon dioxide reduction of more than 80 per cent was calculated.