Asda Logistics Services (ALS) will reduce carbon emissions with the introduction of 50 dual-fuel Volvo FM tractor units at its newly opened distribution centre at Avonmouth, Bristol. Volvo states it is the largest single order of dual-fuel trucks to date. The new dual-fuel vehicles are the latest development in ALS’s transport sustainability strategy following the ‘fewer, cheaper miles’ policy to complement the ‘greenest’ depot in the Asda estate.
Chris Hall, Head of Central Transport for ALS explains: “Asda’s investment in the new distribution centre at Avonmouth and the roll-out of the 50 dual-fuel Volvos is part of a planned programme of initiatives to deliver growth and sustainability by maintaining a 10% absolute carbon footprint reduction by 2015. Alternative fuels are an important part of our green agenda. When we take our longer trailer trials into account together with the Volvo dual-fuel trucks, we will be able to increase the volume of goods trunked while at the same time reducing vehicle miles and cutting emissions by 15% over 5 years.”
The Asda trucks will run on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and diesel. Working in partnership with BOC, Asda has invested in a dedicated LNG refuelling station at the Avonmouth site. The site is designed to minimise environmental impact and costs by the use of ‘zero loss’ refuelling technology.
Emphasising the importance of the Asda order and how Volvo see the future of Methane-Diesel, dual-fuel technology, Volvo Trucks UK Managing Director Arne Knaben says: “Volvo Trucks is very proud to be working with Asda as a strategic partner on Methane-Diesel, dual-fuel technology vehicles. In Volvo’s experience, the Methane-Diesel FM will typically save up to 10% on CO2 emissions, dependent on duty cycle. We firmly believe in our Methane-Diesel technology and liquefied gas as one of the most important, environmentally friendly, future alternatives to diesel in the short to medium term.”
(Source: Volvo)
