DP World launches UK’s first low carbon truck programme

The port operator said it would support at least 500 HGVs to transition to HVO fuel, which contained up to 85% less carbon than diesel.

The fuel will be available at the same cost as diesel, helping to remove financial barriers.

The trial will run into 2027 for operators who regularly use DP World’s UK ports with fully laden import or export containers.

DP World, which has partnered with Certas Energy and New era Fuels, added that its initiative aimed to create a pathway for hauliers to transition to fully electric HGVs.

Every truck that visits a DP World UK port with a loaded container more than 90 times over a three-month period will qualify for up to 5,000 litres of HVO per vehicle per port.

The low carbon fuel can be accessed either via bulk delivery to fuel tanks at truck operators’ yards or via fuel card at UK refuelling station locations.

John Trenchard, VP for sustainable international supply chains at DP World, said: “Cargo owners and freight forwarders can significantly reduce their supply chain scope 3 emissions if they use trucking companies that participate in the programme.

“This is an innovative first for the container sector and we estimate that 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.”

Richard Smith, RHA MD, said: “Hauliers want to reduce their emissions, and our recent net zero survey highlighted how operators see low carbon fuels achieving this as an interim step to net zero.

“Appropriately sourced HVO offers a way for them to do this, and we welcome DP World’s low carbon truck programme together with the accompanying carbon literacy training to support hauliers on this journey.”