European logistics service provider Vos Logistics has further greened its transport fleet by taking five new trucks into service that drive on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
In the fourth quarter of the year the company will add another six LNG trucks to its fleet, bringing the total number of Mercedes-Benz Econic LNG trucks to 14. LNG trucks can also be driven on LBG (liquefied biogas) and have a range of about 1,200 kilometres. They are therefore a sustainable alternative for use in national distribution such as deliveries to urban retailers.
Vos Logistics will use the LNG trucks for national distribution in the Netherlands, Belgium and western Germany. Vos Logistics has identified this segment as a strong growth market.
LNG as a sustainable alternative to diesel
Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) emits fewer harmful substances such as NOx, SOx, particulates and greenhouse gases. In comparison with diesel, Euro 5 trucks emit 30% less CO2 and as much as 85% fewer particulates. By using LNG trucks, Vos Logistics can operate in full compliance with its customers’ sustainability policies.
For Frank Verhoeven, CEO of Vos Logistics , driving on LNG is one of the alternatives available to further reduce the emission of CO2. “In the first half of the year, we cut our CO2 emissions by a further 3%, thanks in part to the use of LNG trucks. More importantly, our customers are expecting us to deliver sustainability. A good example is floor covering manufacturer Desso. It has adopted the Cradle to Cradle® principle, in which products are made from materials that are safe for human use and can be biologically and technically re-used at the end of their lives.
“At the same time, it uses production processes that guarantee sustainable energy consumption, water savings and eco-effectiveness. The company also works closely with suppliers who respect the same principles. Desso has therefore decided to use LNG trucks to distribute its products because they strengthen its sustainability policy.”
[mappress] LNG World News Staff, September 28, 2012; Image: VOS