First electric skip for Northern Ireland

RiverRidge has taken delivery of a Renault Trucks E-tech D Wide 4x2 with Hyva skip loader equipment. This is the first fully electric skip to enter operation in Northern Ireland. Supplied by Diamond Trucks, the vehicle will predominantly be used for a contract with Harland & Wolff, a ship builder and defence contractor. 

Scott Argue, waste management coordinator at Harland & Wolff, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with RiverRidge as they deliver Northern Ireland’s first and only fully electric skip lift vehicle.

“As part of our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, we are keen to work with businesses and explore how we can lower our carbon footprint, creating more sustainable ways of working. The development of zero-carbon facilities will no doubt make a positive impact on our sustainability goals, and, at a time when our yard is buzzing with activity, RiverRidge’s technology is both incredibly useful and an important step forward in sustainable technology.”

Over the next 15 years RiverRidge plans to transition its fleet to zero-carbon powertrains. This is expected to reduce transport emissions by 75%. Since 2011 the company has reduced the footprint of a tonne of household waste by 69%. This is in part due to its waste to energy site in the Belfast Harbour Estate.

Stephen Thompson, RiverRidge’s group transport director, said: “The addition of this vehicle to our fleet is one of a number of meaningful steps that the company is taking to meet the commitments we have made to all our stakeholders about reducing the carbon footprint of our collection services.”

Commercial sales executive at Diamond Trucks, Matthew Keys, said: “We are delighted that RiverRidge has selected the Renault Trucks E-Tech D for its first fully electric skip loader, leading the way in its transition to a zero-carbon future with a cleaner, quieter vehicle that delivers even more sustainably for its customers.”

To explore a vast range of the latest vehicles, equipment and fleet services, make sure to come along to the Road Transport Expo this summer from 4-6 June at NAEC Stoneleigh. Book your free ticket today!