Hermes UK has reported financial savings and C02 reductions since running 72 CNG-fuelled IVECO Stralis 4x2s which now account for 40% of its fleet.
Each Stralis, Hermes claims, offers it a 150-tonne reduction in C02, and a total C02 reduction of 9,600 tonnes across the 72 vehicles. The company has also reported savings ranging from seven to eight pence per mile.
After purchasing an initial 30 Stralis after a successful 12-month trial involving two units last year delivered a C02 saving of over 4,000 tonnes, the Warrington-based firm has taken delivery of another 42 CNG Stralis 4x2s.
Hermes’ head of client and network distribution, Martin Colloff, explained: “We saw what Waitrose were doing and CNG Fuels explained the benefits to us. The drivers have all taken to the CNG trucks too, and we did operate driver training courses when they first came in. But the driving experience isn’t too dissimilar from the diesels.”
DAF and Mercedes-Benz Euro-6 diesel 6x2 tractor units account for the remaining 60% of Hermes’ fleet. But they are only deployed on longer trunking operations.
Collof added: “We’ve been pleased with the innovation shown by CNG Fuels, which is why we went for it over LNG. The infrastructure for CNG is also improving, and there’s a gas station next to our Warrington base which is fantastic”.
General manager for CNG Fuels Peter Eaton, echoed Collof’s statement: “Renewable & Sustainable Biomethane is currently the only mass-adoptable low-carbon solution for HGVs and we are thrilled Hermes will now have access to our Warrington Bio-CNG Station, the largest of its kind in Europe.”
As well as investing in CNG IVECOs, Hermes has invested in 32 bespoke Don-Bur double-decker trailers.
They will hold 33% more than the manufacturer’s standard offering, and 12% more than double-deckers already on Hermes’ fleet. Hermes hopes they will improve productivity thus further reducing C02 emissions.
