Tesco has added five new trailer-mounted refrigeration units to its fleet which reduce fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to standard units.
The five Vector HE 19 Low CO2 Emissions Multi-Temperature (MT) trailer refrigeration units, which are mounted on 13.6-metre Gray & Adams trailers, are charged with R454A refrigerant, which has a certified Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 239.
R454A reduces GWP by nearly 90%, compared with R452A, a refrigerant commonly used in trailer refrigeration systems, which has a much higher GWP of 2,140.
The Vector HE 19 Low CO₂ Emissions system has also been redesigned internally to accommodate the ultra-low GWP refrigerant while maintaining the user experience and performance of the standard Vector platform
The system includes leak-detection sensors and a pump-down system that automatically recovers refrigerant in the event of a leak, helping to reduce the potential release of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases).
Tesco’s decision to add the units to its fleet reflects a growing trend among refrigerated fleet operators across Europe to take on lower-emission refrigeration technologies as they seek to cut emissions from temperature-controlled distribution and meet environmental goals.
Cliff Smith, Tesco fleet engineering manager, said: “Working with Carrier Transicold allows us to take meaningful steps towards reducing emissions across our fleet.
“The Vector HE 19 Low CO2 Emissions units support our strategy to transition away from carbon-intensive solutions, without sacrificing reliability or efficiency.
“This investment demonstrates how we are embedding sustainability into every part of our supply chain.”
To support the rollout, Carrier Transicold and its service partners have established a support framework, including dedicated technician training on the handling of ultra-low GWP refrigerant and associated technologies, as well as specialised maintenance tools and equipment. Carrier Transicold also provides ongoing operational guidance and technical support.
Tony Biggs, Carrier Transicold UK national sales manager, said: “Fleet operators are looking for practical ways to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerated transport without compromising operational performance.
“This deployment demonstrates how ultra-low GWP refrigerant technology can be integrated into large-scale temperature-controlled distribution operations while maintaining high-performance expectations,” he added.
The five refrigeration units will be used to transport ambient, chilled and frozen goods throughout Tesco’s national distribution network seven days a week.
The units are supported by Carrier Transicold’s BluEdge fixed-cost full-service maintenance package, which includes annual temperature-control testing and certification, regulatory inspections and access to the company’s oneCALL 24/7 incident management system.
