Port of Liverpool to cut ‘harmful emissions’ with diesel alternative in UK first

The Port of Liverpool is set to become the first in the UK to offer Shell GTL Fuel, a cleaner alternative to conventional diesel fuel.

The fuel is currently being trialled with hauliers at Certas Energy’s huge new 24-hour HGV refuelling station, which opened earlier this year.

Once the trials are complete in late May, Shell GTL Fuel will be made available for all users of the facilities at the Peel Ports-owned development.

According to Certas Energy, tackling low air quality is now at the top of the Government’s agenda, putting transport businesses under pressure to clean up their act.

The firm said making more responsible fuel readily available is a practical first step to improving air quality.

Andrew Goodwin, national bunker manager at Certas Energy, said: “The availability of Shell GTL Fuel in the North West provides an immediate solution for transport companies looking to reduce harmful emissions.

“Our decision to make Shell GTL Fuel available at the Port demonstrates our commitment to investment in the region, servicing high volumes of HGV traffic 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

He continued: “By offering a practical alternative to diesel that helps to improve air quality without compromising efficiency, Shell GTL Fuel has the potential to change the future of fuel usage in the UK and our goal is to make it available at other bunker sites in our network for both on-road and off-road engines.

“We are proud to be the only provider of the fuel in the UK and look forward to helping visitors to the Port of Liverpool make more responsible fuel choices, supporting a cleaner, healthier Northern Powerhouse.”

Peel Ports Group’s head of container terminal operations, Colin Darroch, commented: “Through our £750m investment programme, we are delivering pioneering infrastructure in the North West, such as the Liverpool2 deep-water container terminal.

“This level of commitment gives our customers the confidence to choose Peel Ports Liverpool as the launch pad for cutting-edge solutions.”

He added: “We are very happy that Certas Energy chose Peel Ports Liverpool as the first site in the UK to offer GTL.”

Peel said that GTL, a paraffinic fuel, has improved combustion properties inside standard diesel engines and helps cut harmful emissions like Nitrogen Oxide and Particulate Matter.

Further, GTL can be used as a drop-in solution for diesel engines, enabling companies to avoid expensive engine modifications or infrastructural changes. The fuel is also biodegradable and disperses easily, potentially making it safer and easier to handle in areas with a heightened risk of contamination.

Since it launched in January, Certas Energy’s fuelling station at the Port of Liverpool has catered for around 15k vehicles.