REPORT I

FTA Ireland Transport Manager Seminar 2022

One of the most popular events in the Irish logistics industry’s calendar, the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) Transport Manager Seminar, made a welcome return with a successful event at The Johnstown Estate hotel in Enfield, County Meath on October 19. The well attended conference, which was supported by DAF Trucks Ireland, Brigade Electronics, Calor, ENPROVA, Logistics Associate Apprenticeship Transport Operations and Commercial Driving Apprenticeship, heard from an array of speakers covering diverse topics.

Noting the disruptions to the transport industry due to myriad of issues including Covid-19, the realignment of supply chains, and post-Brexit challenges, Aidan Flynn, Chief Executive of FTA Ireland and chair of the event commented that the sector has a reputation for resilience. “The preparation for Brexit and the experience of the Covid epidemic have served us well as we grapple with operating in an environment that has seen record energy price increases, instability in the supply of energy, increased operational costs, and wage increases that are challenging the sustainability of our indigenous central service providers.”

On the focus of the Transport Manager seminar, Aidan added: “Decarbonisation is a key theme today because it is essential that businesses plan for and embrace the changing operational requirements to meet EU obligations in the coming years. As an industry we have a challenging journey to reduce our emissions as demands for our services increase in line with a growing population. We in the FTAI have been leading the way with engagement with members and our influence with stakeholders as we establish and support a fair and managed transition. The FTAI Alternative Fuels Working Group has been established for over three years and our TruckSafe standard has incorporated fuel efficiencies and environmental standards as part of our member annual compliance audit.”

Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton provided the keynote address. “Government has long recognised the importance of a fully functioning supply chain,” she said. “The recent crises of Brexit, the war in Ukraine and Covid-19 have put the spotlight on the strategic role that the sector plays. The Ukraine crisis continues to affect oil markets bringing a sustained increase in the price of fuel which has implications right across our economy.” Talking about the measures the government had taken, including the reduction in excise duty on fuel which has now been extended until the end of February 2023, and the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme, she said Government will continue to monitor fuel prices closely in the period ahead. “We commit to an ongoing dialogue with our stakeholders regarding the pressure that [hauliers] face.”

On the subject of alternatively fuelled HGVs, Minister of State Naughton welcomed recent developments in battery electric vehicles from truck manufacturers, saying it made it easier for Government to invest in solutions with greater certainty. “We’ve already had the Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicles Purchase Scheme and the Low Emissions Vehicle Toll Incentive Scheme. It is my hope that we will be able to expand these measures for HGVs as new alternatively fuelled vehicles come to the market over the next number of years.” Noting that biofuels have a role to Key contributors to the establishment of Freight Transport

Association Ireland (FTAI), receiving Tipperary Crystal in recognition of 10 years of FTA Ireland at the Annual Transport Manager Seminar 2022 are pictured (L/R) Tom Wilson, Former General Manager of FTA Ireland; Niall Cotton, President of FTA Ireland, Head of Operations, UK & Ireland BOC Gases Ireland; play as an interim solution, the Minister of State added that her department is Hildegarde Naughton, TD Minister of State at the Department currently looking at how tax measures on of Transport; Philip Scallan, Chairman of FTA Ireland Board of biofuels might further support decarbon-

Directors and Aidan Flynn, Chief Executive of FTA Ireland. isation goals.

Aidan Flynn, CEO, FTA Ireland

Aidan Flynn, FTA Ireland and Hildegarde Naughton TD Minister of State at Department of Transport

Hildegarde Naughton, T.D., Minister of State at Department of Transport

EXPANSION OF DUBLIN AIRPORT

AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FREIgHT MOVEMENT

Simon Fagan, Head of Capacity Planning and Economic Regulation at Dublin Airport outlined the development programme for coming years at the airport. While passenger volumes have recovered well after Covid-19, they are still 20% down on 2019 figures of 32.9 million and are not expected to fully return until 2024/25. Nonetheless the Airport is planning to be ready for the capability to handle 40m passengers by 2030 with an aim of developing Dublin as connection hub. With the opening of the new North Runway this summer, the area where there is a capacity deficit is in the number of piers, stands and gates

Freight remains important to the airport with annual tonnage in 2022 expected to be around 160,000 tonnes. Air freight accounts for just 1% of total freight tonnage, but represents 35% of the value of all freight shipped to / from Ireland. Most is high value freight such as pharmaceuticals, express/dangerous goods and perishables. There are presently 123 dedicated cargo flights weekly with an even split of inbound and outbound freight volumes.

One of the challenges facing the airport is access to the dedicated Cargo Operations which moved to the West Apron in 2017. However the opening of the North Runway has meant airside access is now a significant challenge. A proposed solution which has been approved by the Commission for Aviation Regulation and is currently awaiting planning approval from Fingal County Council is the development of a 1.1km Western Underpass which would cross under Runway 16/34 and 4 taxiways. Simon said the Airport is hopeful the project could be delivered by 2026 if approval is granted.

TRUSTED TRADER

Lorna Kelly, Senior Manager, Customs and International Trade at BDO, outlined the benefits for businesses of having Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status. A Trusted Trader operator (AEO Holder) is a company who is involved in international trade that complies with World Customs Organisation or equivalent supply chain security standards (ROI – Trusted Trader AEO). Being part of the Trusted Trader program allows priority at physical checks, easier access to Customs Procedure, and reductions or waivers to Customs related Guarantee requirements.

DAF TRUCkS – DRIVE TO DECARBONISATION

As one of the sponsors of the Transport Manager Seminar, DAF Trucks had a selection of its latest products outside the venue, including a CF Electric and a HVO powered CF. Adam Bennett, DAF Trucks UK EV & Sustainability Manager, outlined the steps being taken by the manufacturer towards a zero emissions future. Currently that involves a mix of HVO, PHEVS, BEVS and Fuel Cell vehicles depending on size and usage.

Adam explained that DAF sees Hybrid trucks as suitable for city centres, offering fuel savings and CO2 reductions. Trials of CF Hybrid vehicles are currently in operation. Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil fuelled vehicles can offer up to 90% CO2 reduction compared to to diesel. With regards to Fuel Cell vehicles, these are still in the experimental stage, he said, with issues to be addressed around the generation and storage of the gas.

Currently DAF’s focus is on battery electric vehicles, with customers today able to order five different models. Up to 500km can be achieved by the XD range depending on model, with the capability to recharge at up to 350kW

Looking to the future Adam estimates that BEV trucks will achieve TCO parity with ICE vehicles by 2025, with Euro VII legislation due by 2028 likely to increase the price diesel trucks. He estimates that by 2027 Hydrogen trucks will be possible, with Hydrogen trucks set to achieve TCO parity versus diesel by 2030.

INDUSTRIAL DECARBONISATION

Aisling Sands, Technical Director, Kingspan UK and Ireland outlined the work being undertaken by the concrete manufacturer to help it achieve net zero. Steps included measures such

as LED installation, sensor lighting systems, upgrading machinery and energy performance contracts, as well as generating more renewable energy onsite and buying more certified renewable energy from the grid. Aisling also explained how Kingspan’s latest QuadCore LEC insulated panels technology has up to 50% lower

Lorna Kelly, Senior Manager, Customs and International Trade, Trusted Trader

Niall Cotton, President of the FTAI outlined the key achievements of FTA Ireland over the past 10 years.

Video message from Marie Donnelly, Chairperson of the Climate Change Advisory Council. Adam Bennett, DAF Trucks UK EV & Sustainability Manager

Aisling Sands, Technical Director, Kingspan UK and Ireland

embodied carbon, thereby also helping customers move toward net zero.

FTA IRELAND MEMBER

DECARBONISATION RESULTS

Conor Molloy on behalf of Enprova outlined that in 2021 FTAI members saved 1,724,296 Litres in fuel in reduced L/100km. That equates to 5,466 tonnes of CO₂ avoided. Under the Enprova scheme FTAI Members received €135,796 for reducing their CO₂ emissions, while a

total of €1,170,475.10 was paid out by Enprova to fleet operators.

Conor explained that Ecofleet is now under TruckSafe Green Standard and encouraged members to book their teams for Green Standard training in January. He also outlined some tips to #ReduceYourUse in transport including avoiding reducing speed, avoiding repeat journeys and empty running, encouraging staff to walk, cycle, car share or use public transport, and to consider AFHDV grants for alternatively fuelled vehicles from TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland).

HYDROTREATED VEgETABLE OIL

Magnus Hammick, COO, Green Bio on behalf of Certa outlined the benefits of using Gd+ 100% renewable diesel. Gd+ is refined to a higher level than diesel, is clean, odourless, and totally mixable with diesel. It offers better serviceability with fewer DPF issues occurring. Gd+ is made from waste plant oils, not virgin crops and is combined with a patented additive. ISCC certified, it is cleaner, more efficient and lasts longer than diesel, producing 92% less CO2, 21.5% less NOx and 83% less particulate matter

Conor Molloy, ENPROVA

gOVERNMENT ROAD SAFETY STRATEgY 2021-2030

Brendan Walsh, COO of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) explained that under the Government Road Safety

Magnus Hammic, COO, Green Bio of behalf of Certa

Strategy 2021-2030, the target is to reduce road deaths by 80% from 141 to 72 or lower by 2030, and to reduce serious injuries by 80% to 630 from 1,259. He acknowledged that the downward trend is declining at a lower level than it should be, with 1212 dead so far this year, and an increase in the number of serious injuries. The Action

Plan involves 50 high-impact actions and 130 support actions using a partnership approach with shared responsibility. 22 different entities feeding into this approach. Brendan highlighted a continuing need for education, in particular for young male drivers.

In relation to 2021 enforcement activity, 24% of the 17,701 vehicles inspected roadside had major defects, of which 4% had dangerous defects. Over 12,000 tachograph and licensing infringements were detected, but on a positive note the percentage of vehicles to pass the CVRT test first time was up, at 74% compared to 72% in 2020.

AN gARDA SIOCHANA - WORk RELATED VEHICLE SAFETY

Inspector Ross O’Doherty of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau outlined the activities of the force in improving road safety. One significant development from next month will be the introduction of a new drug testing system with results available in about five minutes. Other recent technology enhancements include updated mobility devices as in phones with ANPR which enable 95% of all penalties to be issued

instantly, while increasingly cameras are being mounted to patrol cars

With regards to road traffic accidents, on average about 15-17% involve HGVs, though Inspector O’Doherty noted that prosecution figures against HGV drivers was falling which is a positive sign.

NATIONAL FLEET DATABASE

Tom O’Brien Technical Claims Manager & Data Protection Officer at the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) gave an interesting presentation about the establishment of the National Fleet Database. With an estimated 7.9% of vehicles in Ireland uninsured, this is costing about €70-80 million every year and adds about €30-35 on each motor policy. The new database will take data from Motor Third Party Liability

(MTPL) database and the National Fleet Database (NFD) to give a comprehensive central insurance database that’s accessible by the Dept of Transport, Gardai and MIBI.

Brendan Walsh, COO, Road Safety Authority Inspector Ross O’Doherty, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau – An Garda Siochana

Tom O’Brien, Technical Claims Manager & Data Protection Officer, Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland

Text: Cathal Doyle – cathal@fleet.ie Photos: Paul Sherwood