The UK division of Hermes Europe GmbH, the consumer delivery specialist, has placed the largest ever initial order of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles in 2018 in the UK, and is the first parcel carrier to have ordered the fleet of HGV tractor units running on 100% renewable biomethane, a renewable natural gas.
The CNG for 30 new Iveco HGV tractor units provided by Cartwright Group will be supplied by CNG Fuels, the only UK supplier of Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) approved biomethane. Each of these vehicles is expected to reduce the Hermes fleet’s Green House Gas emissions by more than 80% vs. a comparable diesel vehicle, resulting in the reduction of 4,500 tons of CO2 across the 30 CNG vehicle fleet per year.
The tractor units were introduced following a 6 month trial and will be based at the Hermes Super hub in Rugby, which is near to the CNG refuelling station. Hermes is working towards reducing CO2 emissions by 50% by 2020. Hermes used the occasion of their annual conference to show off one of their brand new 100% renewable biofuel vehicles (pictured above).
Martijn de Lange, CEO of Hermes UK, said: “We’re proud of our strides forward in sustainability as we become the first parcel carrier to invest in bio fuels for our fleet,” adding that this “will not only support our clients in achieving their sustainability goals, but also ultimately benefit people across the UK as we all look to reduce our carbon footprint. As a parcel carrier delivering within central London, we are committed to helping improve air quality in the capital and supporting London on its path to a zero emission future.”
Peter Eaton, General Manager of CNG Fuels, said: “We have been working alongside the Hermes Transport Team to facilitate extensive CNG vehicle trials over the past 12 months. The feedback from these trials has resulted in Hermes placing an order for 30 Iveco Stralis CNG units, which is the largest opening order of CNG tractor units from a UK company so far. It’s fantastic to see one of the largest UK parcel delivery companies move so confidently and significantly in to this technology after recognising the multiple benefits of running vehicles on 100% Waste Derived, Renewable and Sustainable Biomethane Fuel.”
