Nippon Gases UKI and Suttons Tankers have started a three-month Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) trial, aiming to reduce carbon emissions within Nippon Gases’ logistics operations.
The first month has already resulted in an emission reduction of 87 tonnes.
Last year, Suttons Tankers trialled HVO fuel across a selection of its fleet, achieving an 80% reduction in carbon emissions. Both companies are now working together to understand the potential benefits of HVO in their operations.
HVO is a renewable fuel made from used cooking oil and waste feedstocks, offering up to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional diesel.
Suttons is using HVO certified by Zemo Partnership, with the sustainability of the feedstocks and supply chain certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).
During the trial, a selected fleet of Suttons Tankers’ vehicles, based in Stockton and dedicated to Nippon Gases, will operate on a blend of HVO, with performance data being gathered to assess the impact on fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
Rajat Bhardwaj, ESG Manager at Suttons Tankers, said, “This trial builds on our previous success with HVO, and we are eager to see how it continues to reduce emissions. The initial results are promising, and we are committed to finding sustainable solutions for our customers.”
Joanne Rawlinson, Logistics Manager at Nippon Gases UKI, added, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. The early results are encouraging, and we look forward to exploring the long-term benefits of HVO fuel in our entire logistics operations.”
The trial’s outcomes will inform the potential for a wider roll-out of HVO across Suttons Tankers’ Nippon Gases fleet, contributing to long-tern sustainability goals.
The volumetric heating value of HVO is approximately 5% lower than that for fossil diesel fuel while the heating value per mass unit is approximately 3% higher than fossil diesel fuel.
HVO is gaining traction. Logistics giant FedEx recently announced a switch from diesel at three of its UK sites this month, claiming the change will deliver certified lifecycle carbon emissions savings of at least 80%. It has signed a two-year agreement with Crown Oil to buy at least four million litres of the fuel annually.
