Howard Tenens to put its first Euro-6 dual-fuel truck into operation

Howard Tenens is to put its first Euro-6 dual-fuel vehicle on the road next month, running on a blend of compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel.

The Mercedes-Benz Actros 2445 450hp unit has been converted by Prins Autogas UK and has a 93kg capacity CNG fuel tank. Howard Tenens plans to add a similar Daf CNG-powered tractor unit to the fleet within the next three months.

Both will be put into operation as part of a fuel trial being undertaken by the operator, comparing diesel fuel with CNG. Howard Tenens is also taking part in the DfT’s  low carbon truck trial.

The new addition will join 66 dual-fuel trucks already in operation at Howard Tenens, which run off a mix of diesel and CNG or liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Jamie Hartles, commercial and marketing director at Howard Tenens, claimed that the Actros was the first Euro-6 dual-fuel conversion in Europe.

“The partnership between Howard Tenens and Prins supports our commitment to sustainable logistics, underpinned by an enthusiastic and forward thinking approach to engineering which surmounts challenges,” Hartles added.

Prins UK’s commercial director Will Putter said: “Prins UK have formed a great partnership with Howard Tenens. Prins UK will have 3 different makes of Euro- 6 conversion systems available running natural gas by the end of Q1 2015.”

Howard Tenens opened its fourth CNG refuelling facility in Swindon earlier this year, which has the capacity to fuel 125 dual-fuel trucks per day.