DP World launches low-carbon truck programme

HVO is created using renewable raw materials such as vegetable oils and animal fats. Figures state that CO2 emissions can be reduced by approximately 90% where HVO is used.

Although alternative fuels could be a critical lever for the logistics industry to utilise to reduce carbon emissions and promote more sustainable transportation, fundamentally the adoption of alternative fuels must be feasible.

HVO is being put forward as an immediate replacement because of its interchangeability with diesel, meaning fleet owners don’t need to take on the expense of modifying their fleets or replacing them with new vehicles. It also has a long shelf life and maintains stability in extreme temperature, providing good performance during cold snaps.

Launched on 1 September, the programme will enable fleet owners to claim up to 5,000 litres of HVO for the price of diesel for every vehicle that moves either through London Gateway or Southampton port over 90 times within each three-month period. Claims will be capped at a maximum allocation of 50,000 litres or 10 vehicles per group of companies per port.

According to the company, it could allow over 500 trucks to use lower carbon fuels and reduce emissions by over 30,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2026.

The initiative is part of DP World’s own ambitions to support partners and customers in cutting back emissions and meeting Scope 1 and Scope 3 targets.

In 2021, DP World Southampton became the first port to transition to HVO, having trialled it the previous year in forklift trucks, reefer generators, and straddle carriers.

The programme is forecast to run for 28 months and is being done in partnership with renewable fuel providers Certas Energy and New Era Energy.

Lamech Solomon, Head of Decarbonisation Policy at Logistics UK, said: “DP World’s Low Carbon Truck Programme is a welcome and practical step that helps operators cut emissions today. Operators need credible ways to reduce emissions now. By offering HVO at diesel equivalent prices and simplifying access at key ports, it tackles the key barriers to a more sustainable logistics sector.

“HVO’s drop-in compatibility enables rapid emissions cuts without costly vehicle changes while we build out charging and refuelling for zero-emission trucks. With strong sustainability assurance, it’s precisely the kind of bridging solution that delivers on the government’s ambition.”