Freightliner has announced that Ocean Network Express (ONE) UK will extend its commitment to use HVO100 fuel for all cargo transportation via rail, following a successful six-month pilot.
A 100 per cent renewable fuel, HVO is made from raw materials such as vegetable oils, waste-based fat and oil from the food industry.
According to Freightliner, switching to HVO can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent and is the best alternative to conventional diesel which is normally used to power freight trains.
The fuel is reportedly certified, which means the materials used to create the fuel and their origin are fully verified. This new initiative will be part of ONE’s intended green rail offering, where customers can choose to purchase a carbon reduction certificate which recognises their actions to lower their carbon footprint.
Nick Reay, Head of Operations for ONE UK said: “ONE UK, in partnership with Freightliner, is pleased to continue the transportation of our cargo inland using rail powered by HVO100. Over our successful 6-month pilot period, we calculated that an incredible 488 tonnes of CO2 emissions were saved by switching to this renewable fuel.
“We thank Freightliner for collaborating with us to make a greener and more sustainable supply chain as ONE continues to find innovative ways to achieve our goal of net zero by 2050.”
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“We are thrilled that ONE has chosen to roll out HVO fuel to power their UK rail cargo journeys,” said Clive Slayford, Commercial Director of Intermodal Logistics at Freightliner
“At Freightliner, we are committed to proactively reducing our environmental impact and being a net zero business.
“Throughout our long-standing partnership, we have demonstrated our commitment to offering customers a greener alternative using HVO fuel which drastically reduces carbon emissions compared to diesel and road alternatives.”
After working together since 2018, ONE and Freightliner recently announced their new 5-year contract which along with a commitment to sustainability, provides customers with seamless intermodal connections from London Gateway and the Port of Southampton to strategic locations across the UK.
Earlier this month, ONE announced a new ETS surcharge starting from 1 July 2024 until further notice.
In the same week, DP World announced its target of a 40 per cent rail freight share in 2026, having been encouraging freight owners to transport their goods by rail from Southampton.
