15 minute read
Ken Davis, CILT
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
Ken Davis
M Sc FCILT, CILT Northern Ireland
THE END OF DIESEL - WILL IT AFFECT THE AVERAGE HAULIER?
Despite the other news stories at present, we can all see that climate change is a real issue. Some people believe that it is not man made, but I’ll work on the basis that they are too busy on the internet in their secure bunker to read this article.
So, what do I mean by the end of diesel? Well, in simple terms, the UK government have committed to phasing out the sale of new diesel powered trucks by 2040 at the latest. Note those last three words, we’ll come back to them later. But something will have to happen, given that, according to the DfT, following the closure of most of the coal-fired generating stations, transport is now the biggest sector for carbon emissions in the UK at 24%. Of this lorries are responsible for 16% of this total, despite comprising less than 2% of the total UK vehicle fleet. Surely that means an alternative fuel has been identified? Well, actually no. The SMMT on behalf of vehicle manufacturers have stated that 2040 is too soon. And bear in mind that in 2020, 98.6% of the UK HGV fleet was diesel powered. So the alternatives are limited at this time. So where are we with alternative fuels to diesel? Well, how long have you got? There are a host of choices, including biodiesel, propane, natural gas, ethanol, hydrogen and electricity. From an operational perspective, any alternative fuel needs to have similar properties to diesel, in that it needs to be readily available, reasonably accessible, energy dense, simple to handle by the vehicle operator and not to require excessive vehicle downtime when refuelling. The big hope going forward is electric power. The problem with electricity is providing the power in the vehicle. One option is battery power, but currently the batteries required to power an HGV would weigh several tonnes, taking up payload (both weight and cube), and take time to recharge. Solutions to this problem include a trial in Germany of overhead electric catenary for road vehicles. Hmm. Battery technology is advancing rapidly, but it’s hard to see them becoming light enough.
HOLY GRAIL IS GREEN HYDROGEN
The “Holy Grail” to provide power is hydrogen, generating electrical power via a fuel cell. Don’t worry, I failed my O-level chemistry, so this won’t be a science lecture. But as I understand it, the hydrogen generates electricity in a fuel cell and the only by-products are water and heat. Even better, hydrogen is almost 3 times as energy dense as diesel, and is the most abundant element on the planet. Unfortunately, the difficulty is getting hold of the stuff, as most of it is combined with oxygen in water. Much of the hydrogen used in the various experimental fleets at present is produced chemically by a process known as steam reforming which generates CO2, which rather defeats the object. This is known as grey hydrogen. Produced by electrolysis, the problem historically has been finding cheap enough electricity to justify the inherent inefficiency of using that electricity to produce hydrogen that is then converted back to electricity in the fuel cell. And that’s where renewable power comes in. The UK is already in the position that some electricity generated by wind power cannot be used at the time of generation, so the advocates of hydrogen are proposing that this is the perfect way of using this “surplus” electricity. Of course there are other options; the UK has had pumped storage schemes for decades, whereby off-peak electricity is used to pump water “uphill” into reservoirs, whence it can be released downhill to generate power when we all switch our kettles on at half time during the World Cup final. There is even a scheme in the USA to use off-peak power to haul old rail freight wagons uphill, and release them to generate electricity when required. It must look a bit like the wacky races. That’s all well and good, but as per the title of this article, how does it affect me, if I’m the “average” operator with a fleet size of 5.2 vehicles (DfT, 2020)? The point is, nobody knows. There are many geo-political reasons why governments want to remove power from the existing producers of hydrocarbons, countries such as Russia. The technology is just an enabler, but the change will happen for climate and political reasons. Don’t forget that the majority of the price of fuel is tax (VED), so it is quite possible that the wholesale introduction of new technology will be accompanied by road charging instead of fuel duty. So, once those in power have decided that the technology is sufficient to make the change, it will happen rapidly. This might mean that 2040 gets bought forward considerably. With the average UK truck being 7.8 years old, (DfT 2020), the next purchase is probably going to be diesel powered, but fuelling the one after that? Watch this space.
FORS Transport Planner helps fleets achieve greater efficiency
FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, has partnered with transport optimisation specialists, The Algorithm People (TAP), to bring FORS Transport Planner to accredited operators as part of its Affinity Partner programme expansion.
While fleets are experiencing spiralling costs across all areas of their business, FORS Transport Planner can help. Utilising the very latest in optimisation technology, the algorithms compute the best combination of jobs, assets such as available drivers and vehicles, and routes to give the most efficient results. The outcome is fewer vehicles, running fewer miles for the same amount of work, saving time and fuel and lessening emissions. FORS Transport Planner works with fleets across different sectors and industries, it also works with petrol, diesel and electric vehicles, or a mixed fleet. The software will automatically consider vehicle payload, variable routes and other necessary information and can also factor in range and charging for electric vehicles. CEO of TAP, the company behind FORS Transport Planner, Colin Ferguson, said: “My background is in transport operations, so the system was built with that experience front of mind. Our aim is to help operators of all sizes, many of whom don’t have access to this kind of technology or are currently relying on manual route planning or fixed route sequencing. With only 10 per cent of fleets optimising their transport planning, we believe FORS Transport Planner can help level the playing field, we regularly see customers reporting savings and efficiencies of up to 30 per cent.” He continued: “Our business model is based on three pillars – decarbonisation, optimisation and innovation. Helping operators reduce costs, improve their profitability, and begin their decarbonisation journey through better optimisation is essential for any business. Our evidence-based analysis and firsthand knowledge of transport infrastructure means we can also advise on how fleets can best transition to electric and other low emission vehicles, ensuring they continue to decarbonise their fleets in the way that most makes sense for their unique business.” FORS Concession Director, Ian Henderson, commented: “FORS Transport Planner absolutely reflects the ethos of the FORS programme. Helping our accredited operators find ways to work smarter and greener is to the benefit of all. The FORS Transport Planner team have extensive industry experience, as well as fleet and electric vehicle expertise and I’d encourage all operators to start a conversation about decarbonisation and see what savings and benefits can be gained.” FORS Transport Planner does not require lengthy installation or consultancy with large upfront costs, relying on an easy-to-use interface for fleet managers to input data, and providing onboarding teams, a technical helpdesk and online user guides. There are a number of flexible payment options, enabling customers to choose the contract length or even work on a pay as you go basis. Quick access to the system means operators can start seeing the benefits from the very first day of operation.
Part of the Prestige Insurance Holdings Group . AbbeyAutoline is a trading name of Abbey Insurance Brokers Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The rapid global expansion of Monaghan warehousing innovators Moffett Automated Storage has led to 30 specialist roles at the company’s recently completed new head office facility in Monaghan.
Thanks to a growing client list now spanning 10 countries, the company plans to bring its automated warehouse hardware to even more customers. Their pacesetting pallet storage and retrieval system is controlled by proprietary software also developed in-house by the Moffett team. Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar congratulated Moffett Automated Storage for their investment. “The company really is going from strength to strength, and I know that is thanks in a big way to its commitment to constantly innovate and look at how to do things better. The team and the talent in the business is obviously a major part of its success too. I look forward to seeing what’s next. The very best of luck to the entire team.” The business is the brainchild of Sam Moffett and has achieved its success in just five years from launch. Sam is the son of renowned engineer Robert Moffett, who founded the international Irish-headquartered forklift brand Combilift. Moffett Automated Storage MD Sam explained that his business has gained a global reputation very quickly thanks to its proprietary approach to a growing problem for warehousing: “Along with the system to move, track and organise pallets, we developed software to help solve many of the problems faced by companies who have a need to store and access palletised stock fast. “The system, by design, delivers superb density of storage, savings on energy, labour cost reductions plus significant benefits around the safety of operatives and stock. With the need for storage and logistics services on the rise and limited warehousing space available, companies need a new solution and we’ve been excited to help our customers deal with this challenge.”
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar at the opening of the New Moffett Automated Storage Head Office Facility.
Specialist Team
Sam added that he is “very confident about the future” as his company has “used a growth mindset from day one” and he paid tribute to his specialist team: “The success of the business during the past five years has given me confidence to invest in the growth of Moffett Automated Storage. A huge factor of our success has been the work of an expert team supporting projects around the world using skilled, specialist know-how.” Moffett Automated Storage typically has over 8-12 live projects in four different countries around the world, each ranging from storage of 5,000 pallets to 15,000 pallets. The system has no limitations on height of the warehouse allowing company use their footprint to the maximum. All Moffett Automated Storage solutions are linked to warehouse management software allowing organisation of pallets to be automated. Items for dispatch are waiting by the door exactly when they’re needed, meaning a substantial efficiency upgrade for clients. Commented Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys: “The development of these offices in Monaghan which will in turn lead to the creation of up to 30 new jobs is testament to the innovation and expertise of Sam and his team at Moffett Automated Storage. With a long history of innovation within the Moffett family this is another significant venture that will create jobs in Monaghan and surrounding areas. “As part of Our Rural Future, I want to see homegrown businesses creating jobs locally in rural Ireland. I am delighted that my Department through the LEADER Programme has supported the upgrading of the company facilities to now house a spacious comfortable working environment for current and future staff of Moffett Automated Storage.” Tom Kelly of Enterprise Ireland said: “The company is one of our High Potential Start-Ups, which means that from its earliest days Enterprise Ireland saw the global potential of the business idea backed Sam and his team with a range of supports. We look forward to working with Sam and his expanded team in the future to support Moffett Automated Storage ambitions plans to compete and win in global markets.”
Northern Ireland exporters up, but revenues down
According to the latest UK Exporter Monitor by Coriolis Technologies and The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT), Northern Ireland exporter numbers increased more than any UK nation in the past month. However, these same exporters fared worse than their counterparts in other UK nations over July with revenues dropping by nearly 7% and employment by 4%.
Over the last year, according to the rate of change, NI’s exporters have suffered less than exporters in other nations. Although NI exporter activity has faltered from June to July particularly in revenue and employment, over the course of the year their overall momentum has outperformed all other UK nations in both number of exporters and employment. This suggests that despite the current headwinds from supply chain shortages and uncertainties around the NI protocol, they remain more resilient. The total number of UK businesses exporting increased by 1% but revenues decreased by 2%. Total exporter revenues across the UK fell by another 2% since last month, an overall loss of £58.46m. Northern Ireland’s revenues fell by 7% (£3.5m), followed by a loss of 4% in Wales (£1.6m), a decrease of 2% in Scotland (£4.2m), and a loss of 1% in England (£49m). As outlined in the Q2 UK Exporter Monitor, this activity sits against a backdrop of lower overall volumes of exports. An increase in the cost of imports against a decline in volumes is putting pressure on what consumers have to pay and adding to the cost living crisis. Institute of Export & International Trade Director General, Marco Forgione said: “Our latest Exporter Monitor suggests that Northern Ireland’s businesses are remaining resilient in the face of adversity, as exporter numbers continue rise. However, the decline in revenue is concerning. Our members are reporting that because of the global logistics problems it is more difficult to diversify their supply chains, something we are addressing through education and training. “In partnership with SERC we recently opened an office in Bangor, Northern Ireland, and are already actively helping NI Businesses to grow their international trade.” Coriolis Technologies Chief Executive, Dr Rebecca Harding said: “UK exporters continue to face difficult conditions. Within this we are seeing regional variations and despite facing additional uncertainties around the NI Protocol over the past twelve months Northern Ireland’s exporters have suffered less than their UK counterparts. “Challenges remain for all exporters and as a result we expect future Exporter Monitors to show a further decrease in the number of UK exporters.”
Brigade Electronics– has launched a new artificial intelligent vehicle safety system to the UK market.
CarEYE Safety Angle Turning Assistant from EYYES GmbH has been offered by Brigade GmbH in Germany for more than a year and was trialled by its long-standing partner, Geier & Söhne Transportgesellschaft mbH in the country. Geier & Söhne Transportgesellschaft mbH fitted the device, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect pedestrians, cyclists and objects, to one of its Mercedes Actros vehicles. The system’s AI is set up to accurately evaluate the images from cameras fitted to the vehicle and is able to calculate the future course of motion of nearby people or objects. Based on this data, the system reliably and accurately warns the driver in real time of a possible collision before it occurs. Warnings are issued either actively with an audible and visual red alert if a person or object is at risk of being hit, or passively with a visual yellow alert if, for example, a person or object is moving away from the danger zone – dramatically reducing false alerts. CarEYE has also been rated as a clear winner in the ADAC performance tests demonstrating its optimum performance and outranking other similar vehicle safety devices on the market. ADAC cited CarEYE’s reliability for reducing false alerts significantly, the visual feedback for drivers being clear and easy to understand, and its quick reaction times for detecting people and objects for its top place position. Emily Hardy, Marketing Manager of Brigade Electronics UK, said: “The accuracy of CarEYE’s AI makes false alerts extremely rare and provides the driver with absolute peace of mind that they can manoeuvre their vehicle with the utmost safety. The system is able to differentiate between cars, trucks, people, bicycles and static objects, such as trees or bollards. Movement and the expected direction is then calculated, making the system extremely reliable.” Emily added: “There were 141 cyclists killed and 4,215 seriously injured due to road traffic collisions in 2020. One in three of these accidents could have been prevented with a sideguard assistant, such as CarEYE. This makes such technology crucial in enhancing safety for every road user and helping to save lives.”
Brigade’s Sidescan®Predict is the next generation of side-detection sensor system, designed for collision avoidance between vehicles, objects and vulnerable road users. Utilising ultrasonic technology, this intelligent system predicts if a collision is likely to occur and alerts the driver by a visual and/or audible warning, depending on the severity of the calculation. Sidescan®Predict
