Port operator unveils truck scheme to cut emissions

A port operator has launched a transport scheme aimed at driving down emissions.

DP World is rolling out a low-carbon truck programme at its London Gateway and Southampton sites.

Bosses say the “UK industry first” will support at least 500 trucks to switch from diesel to renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil.

They add every truck visiting a DP World UK port with a loaded container more than 90 times over a three-month period will qualify for up to 5000 litres of hydrotreated vegetable oil per vehicle per port.

The trial is set to run into 2027, with DP World partnering with Certas Energy and New Era Fuels.

John Trenchard, DP World vice-president for sustainable international supply chains, said: “This is an innovative first for the container sector and we estimate more than 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide could be reduced each year if all our trucking partners register.

“Our hope is to encourage early adoption as a transitional step towards the eventual goal of electrification.”

He added the programme will be funded by the energy transition contribution, which is levied on all import-laden containers using DP World’s UK ports.

Richard Smith, Road Haulage Association managing director, said: “Hauliers want to reduce their emissions, and appropriately sourced hydrotreated vegetable oil offers a way to do that.”

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