FT Gasrec Gregory

One of the largest privately-owned transport companies in the UK, Gregory Distribution, has installed its first Bio-LNG refuelling station as part of a drive to be a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly operation.

Last year, the company began a trial to test the suitability of Bio-LNG to replace diesel in its fleet of more than 1,000 trucks – initially running seven Volvo FH LNG 6×2 tractor units as part of its operations in Bristol and Magor.

Following the success of the trial has company is installing the station – owned and operated by Gasrec – at its depot at Collumpton, Devon, to fuel a further order of 13 Volvo FH LNGs.

“The transition to alternative fuels is a key part of our long-term strategy and this new facility is a continuation on that journey,” said Paul Jefferson, group legal, risk and sustainability director at Gregory Distribution. “We put our first LNG trucks on the road last September and the reduction in carbon emissions has been clear to see.

“The technology has come on leaps and bounds in the past 12 months and the feedback from the drivers on the Volvo trucks has been hugely positive. The one challenge we have faced with LNG has been the infrastructure; but now with the help of Gasrec, we are taking control of our destiny by getting this facility on our own site. It’s a major step forward.”

According to Gasrec, Bio-LNG-powered trucks can return CO2 savings as high as 95%, plus deliver a 99% reduction in particulate matter and 90% in NO2 emissions compared with equivalent Euro VI diesel trucks. It adds that HGVs running on gas are around 50% quieter than their diesel equivalents.

“There is a growing expectation from our customers to support them in their sustainability strategy and objectives. Running our fleet on these more environmentally-friendly fuels is a key part of this,” added Jefferson. “Right now, for our long-distance trunking work, Bio-LNG is the best option to help reduce our carbon footprint.”

Gasrec delivered the skid-mounted facility – used as a temporary solution for fleets exploring the option of Bio-LNG – straight from frozen food distribution business Reed Boardall, which has recently upgraded to a permanent on-site refuelling station.

Commenting on the infrastructure, James Westcott, chief commercial officer of Gasrec, explained: “We have installed a pumped mobile refuelling station which we use to seed new locations where we want to get Bio-LNG into an area quickly. The plan is to get a more permanent refuelling station at Cullompton, but the fast-moving nature of this industry requires a flexible approach.

“The fact that we were able to deliver this facility direct to Gregory Distribution, from Reed Boardall’s site in Boroughbridge, shows how quickly we can help our customers get this cleaner fuel into their fleets.”