Soft drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) is seeking to reduce
the fleet emissions of its UK logistics services by adopting alternative fuel
technologies in some of its vehicles.
The firm has reached an agreement with Iveco for the commercial vehicles
builder to provide 13 gas-powered Stralis 6x2 rigid trucks.
It follows a year-long trial that tested the performance of the compressed
biomethane (CBM) technology against a diesel-powered engine.
Run in conjunction with Cenex - the government-funded centre of excellence for
low-carbon and fuel-cell technologies - the study revealed the CBM-driven 21-
tonne vehicle offered a 60.7 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
compared with the standard vehicle.
The new vehicles will be based at CCE's Enfield depot in north London, where a
permanent refuelling station for CBM will be constructed.
Until this is completed, the fleet will temporarily operate from a satellite facility in
Dagenham and be refuelled on-site via a semi-trailer.
They have been supplied on a six-year contract hire agreement that includes full
repair and maintenance from Iveco's dealer network.
Logistics manager at CCE Darren O'Donnell explained the test with Cenex has
given the firm the confidence it needs to introduce new fuel technology to its
commercial fleet that will help the company meet its green targets.
He added: "Our investment in 13 additional trucks and a permanent CBM
refuelling station at our depot in Enfield is not a token gesture; it's testament to
our confidence in this technology and our commitment to reducing the carbon
footprint of our fleet."
Mr O'Donnell added he hopes other commercial fleet operators will be inspired to
follow CCE's lead and investigate low-emission solutions for their own vehicles.
Recently, a conference on how to cut emissions in the logistics industry was
hosted by the Freight Transport Association.
As well as the use of low-carbon technologies, topics on the agenda included
driver management and how to reduce mileage.
