Vos Logistics, together with Mercedes-Benz Nederland, LNG Europe, Van Gansewinkel and Indox CryoEnergy Spain, has taken the initiative to enable trucks in the Netherlands to run on environmentally friendly LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).
The first LNG filling station in north-west Europe was officially opened today by Pieter Hofstra, chairman of the Dutch national transport association, Koninklijk Nederlands Vervoer. The goal behind the initiative is to improve the CO2 balance.
LNG is a clear, colourless liquid product when natural gas is cooled to minus 162°C. As a liquid, LNG takes up three to four times less space than CNG (Compressed Natural Gas).
A truck running on LNG therefore has a range of more then 1,000 kilometres. Natural gas is the cleanest of the fossil fuels. In comparison with trucks with Euro 5 Diesel engines, CO2 emissions are 30% lower and particulate emissions 85% lower.
Furthermore, an LNG truck produces half the noise. Driving on LNG therefore makes energy consumption more sustainable and improves the environment.
LNG trucks, moreover, can also drive on LBG (Liquefied Bio Gas). LNG is therefore an excellent alternative for use in national distribution and, especially, urban goods transport.
When more filling stations are opened in Europe and the engine power of LNG trucks has increased, LNG trucks will also be a sustainable alternative for use in international transport.
Frank Verhoeven, CEO of Vos Logistics said: ‘Under the name Eco Safe Logistics, Vos Logistics is seeking the right balance between profitability and sustainability.
We are convinced that sustainability works if there are healthy economic foundations underpinning the company and its customers. Driving on LNG fits our sustainability goal of cutting CO2 emissions by 20%.
We are therefore planning to replace a significant part of our distribution fleet with LNG trucks if economically feasible, beginning with 50 to 100 trucks.’
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Source: Vos Logistics, September 21, 2010