Case study
Gregory Distribution
In 2020, Gregory Distribution 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.
The success of that trial saw the company take the next step, installing an on-site LNG station – owned and operated by Gasrec – at its Cullompton depot in 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. We put our first LNG trucks on the road last September and the reduction in carbon emissions have been clear to see.”
Cost savings
“Initially we began exploring LNG as a way of reducing our carbon footprint, but the business case is also very strong. We’re deploying these trucks on high-mileage contracts covering between 150,000 to 250,000 km per annum, and we’re confident they will help us to reduce total cost of ownership thanks to lower fuel costs.”
The station
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 had recently upgraded to a permanent on-site refuelling station.
Commenting on the infrastructure, James Westcott, Chief Commercial Officer of Gasrec, explains: “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 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.”
“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.”
The station also includes 24/7 connectivity to Gasrec’s remote operating centre. Fuel levels on the station are monitored remotely by Gasrec and fuel is delivered by Gasrec tanker when required. Remote connectivity to Gasrec’s Remote Operating Centre (ROC) also enables 24/7 operating support and notification of any faults or station problems.
Location
The LNG refuelling station in Cullompton is Devon’s first and is well situated for traffic along the M5 and will allow other fleet operators in Devon and Cornwall to utilise LNG from this station.
The vehicles
Gregory Distribution predominantly uses its LNG fleet to deliver palletised goods, often double-shifted on long-haul journeys to maximise the environmental benefits.
The 6x2 pusher-axle tractor units have been specified with 155 kg LNG tanks for maximum range, and benefit from 12-speed I-Shift automated gearboxes to help maximise fuel efficiency.
“Put simply, an LNG-powered Volvo delivers the same power, performance and torque as a diesel; plus it’s a brand which is known to us and offers excellent dealer support nationwide.”
Key to securing the order was Volvo’s unique approach to natural gas engine technology, using small amounts of diesel to initiate ignition of the air-fuel mixture. This enables the Volvo G13C engine to deliver the same 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque as its diesel-only counterpart, with matching driveability, reliability and service intervals. Plus Volvo’s gas powertrain provides engine braking just like a regular diesel – and without requiring a separate retarder which would add weight and complexity.
Environmental benefits
A key factor in Gregory’s decision to move to LNG was the lower carbon emissions. Paul Jefferson, Group Legal, Risk and Sustainability Director at Gregory Distribution said: “We put our first LNG trucks on the road last September and the reduction in carbon emissions has been clear to see.”
Jefferson went on to say: “Right now, for our long-distance trunking work, Bio-LNG is the best option to help reduce our carbon footprint.”
“LNG has huge potential as a substitute for diesel in trucks. There’s a good supply globally and the CO2 emissions are considerably lower in comparison. The possibility to run on bio-LNG also means a potential CO2 reduction of up to 100 per cent, opening up long-term possibilities to move into renewable fuels – making businesses less dependent on fossil energy sources.”
Using Gasrec’s Bio-LNG from waste-only sources, Gregory are able to benefit from CO2 savings of up to 95%, as well as a 99 per cent reduction in particulate matter and 90 per cent in NO2 emissions compared to equivalent Euro VI diesel trucks. HGVs running on gas are also around 50 per cent quieter than their diesel equivalents.