5 minute read
Seamus Leheny, Logistics UK Policy Manager-NI
Seamus Leheny
Policy Manager - Northern Ireland. Logistics UK
POWERING THE FUTURE OF HGVS
Some operators of light commercial vehicles in Northern Ireland have started transitioning to electric vehicles, in line with UK government’s aim to achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
Although many more models are coming to market, there are not yet commercially viable solutions for all vehicle types. For Heavy Goods Vehicles in particular, there is still significant uncertainty over the potential of hydrogen fuel cell, battery electric and electric road systems to enable zero emission alternatives. In this month’s column, I will provide an overview of why biomethane - as a renewable natural gas - is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those operating heavier vehicles as the sector looks to reduce its carbon emissions on the pathway to zero. A Logistics UK survey found that there is still a significant gap in the market for alternatives to diesel HGVs, with many operators frustrated at the lack of model availability – especially those over 3.5 tonnes – and this where biomethane, along with advanced biofuels, can step in. Renewable biomethane is a low-carbon, cost-effective alternative to diesel for HGVs. Compatible for use in natural gas vehicles, is estimated to be 35-40% cheaper and its use can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85%. Warburtons has become the latest member of Logistics UK to announce it is adopting biomethane, following in the footsteps of other household names including Hermes, John Lewis, Waitrose and Asda. Biomethane vehicles operate on a mileage range of around 300 – 500 miles depending on the vehicle. One issue that I raise with local government here is the availability of refuelling stations, as to spend the money on bunkering the fuel onsite will be financially prohibitive for many operators. Many operators will be unable to make the switch until they are confident their vehicles can adequately refuel when out and about. Logistics UK is calling on the government to continue supporting its adoption and include gas vehicles and biomethane within its Transport Decarbonisation Plan, set to be released this spring. The Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial (LEFT) is currently underway to enable operators to trial and assess new and emerging technologies, both in-service and through a laboratory-based emissions testing programme. It has been crucial in demonstrating that dedicated gas vehicles are reliable, have no methane slips and offer a viable alternative to diesel. However, while Logistics UK welcomes the funding that has been allocated to the trial, this funding is only available for limited periods and to select operators. Logistics UK is urging government to introduce long-term grants and believes that more needs to be done to support all operators who are looking to purchase low carbon vehicles and fuels. While trials are still taking place and developments continue to be made, use of biomethane and advanced biofuels must persist to help reduce emissions of heavy vehicles as the sector works towards net-zero emissions by 2050. The future of HGVs will be explored in more depth at a session at Logistics UK’s Future Logistics Conference at Innovation and Technology in Transport (ITT) Hub, to be held at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre on 30 June 2021 and 1 July 2021. Titled HGVs – Future Vehicles and Future Fuels, the practical session will explore the options available in terms of new vehicles and alternative fuels, while explaining the key considerations businesses must keep in mind before they procure their next set of vehicles. For more information, and to sign up for the free event, please visit www.itthub.co.uk/conference/programme
www.exportandfreight.com
MBNI TRUCK & VAN’S NEW TRUCK SALES MANAGER HITS THE ROAD
MBNI Truck & Van has a new Truck Sales Manager; Paul McCrory has taken over the position, eight years after he first joined the Newtownabbey based Mercedes-Benz dealership.
With a degree in Community & Informal Education, 34 year old Paul is well placed to take on the new role having built up an extensive knowledge of the Mercedes-Benz brand, both on the van and truck sides of the business. He began his sales career 11 years ago with a BMW car dealership before joining MBNI Truck & Van’s trainee truck sales programme. “That was my very first experience of the truck industry,” he recalls, “and it was a steep learning curve, having come from a car sales background.” The first six months of training saw Paul spending a number of weeks at MercedesBenz’ Milton Keynes headquarters learning everything there is to know about the manufacturer’s truck and van portfolios. “I also spent some time getting to know everything about the business – from periods spent in the workshop, in the parts department and even in accounts - before going on the road with both the truck and van sales teams which helped me to begin building relationships with our extensive customer base.” Married with two children – a five year old daughter and a two year old son – Paul is believed to be among the youngest Truck Sales Managers in the sector here and says he is looking forward to the challenges ahead. “It helps having an excellent product portfolio – from the 7.5 tonnes Atego right up to the heavy duty Actros and Arocs,” says Paul. “We have a truck for almost every application, and a loyal and expanding customer base on which to build for the future.”
Paul McCrory
2021
Export & Freight Golf Masters is scheduled for Wednesday 1st September once again at the spectacular Lough Erne Resort & Spa, Enniskillen.
Due to Covid restrictions we are strictly limited to 152 golfers and sadly cannot offer non-golfer events.
The golf course will once again be dressed and filled with hospitality. Socially distanced dinner and prize- giving is planned for the evening, subject to government guidelines, and overnight accommodation will also be available.
As we have been locked down for well over a year, we hope you will be as excited to attend this event as we are to host it.
Let us know as soon as possible your requirements and we will try our best to give you another wonderful day of golf.
GARFIELD & HELEN
