DB Cargo UK and Maritime Intermodal conduct trials of HVO fuel

Maritime is the first of DB Cargo UK’s intermodal customers to trial the use of the environmentally-friendly fuel on its services.

Throughout May, two Class 66 locomotives (66085 and 66077) will haul a total of 19 services back and forth between the port and Maritime’s new facility in the East Midlands.

HVO – Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil – is marketed as ‘one of the world’s purest and greenest fuels.’ 

It’s synthetically made through the hydro-treatment process from vegetable oils or animal fats which significantly reduces harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions when used in diesel vehicles and machinery. Supplied by Crown Oil, the HVO is responsibly sourced. It is derived from 100% waste products and no virgin products are used in its manufacture.

The Government has set the rail industry a stretching target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

DB Cargo UK’s Head of Sales Roger Neary said the company was working with a number of customers to prove HVO fuel as a viable alternative to the use of traditional red diesel in its locomotive fleet.

“We are delighted that Maritime has agreed to be the first intermodal customer to work with us on this exciting project that could ultimately lead to a significant reduction in our carbon footprint and that of our customers.

“Rail freight is already a much greener alternative to road haulage, so to reduce our carbon footprint even further will, I hope, make businesses re-evaluate their own transport strategies. If they want to reduce their own carbon emissions, then rail freight is the obvious choice over road,” he added.

John Bailey, Managing Director (Intermodal and Terminals) at Maritime, said ‘We are thrilled to be the first intermodal service to take part in this ground-breaking project, which reinforces Maritime’s and DB’s commitment to greener and more sustainable rail freight solutions.

‘The environment remains at the top of our transport agenda, and we are confident the HVO fuel will ultimately play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions across our operations. We look forward to seeing the results which if successful, will allow us to extend more of our services with the support of our customers.’

ENDS

For further information contact DB Cargo UK’s Senior Communications Manager Richard Sears on 07716691193 or by emailing him at Richard.sears@deutschebahn.com

Notes to Editors:

1. DB Cargo UK currently operates 228 diesel and electric locomotives that transport in the region of 37 million tonnes of freight each year across the UK and into Europe. It uses approximately 45 million litres of red diesel a year.