Howard Tenens Logistics Evaluate Biomethane Powered 44-tonne trucks as part of Net Zero Strategy

Our goal at Howard Tenens Logistics is to achieve net zero by 2045, and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint as quickly as possible. We have already implemented several measures as part of our carbon reduction strategy, including switching from diesel to HVO renewable fuel, installing solar panels on our roofs, and using energy-efficient lighting in our warehouses. We have always embraced technological advancement and are constantly exploring innovative ways to reduce our impact on the environment and operate more sustainably.

In line with this ethos, we recently trialled a biomethane 44-tonne CNG truck. The vehicle was based at Daventry for three weeks, where it was refuelled with biomethane at a CNG Fuels site close by. The vehicle operated on the Toolstation Tilbury trunk as well as undertaking store deliveries, completing two shifts a day.

We already operate four compressed natural gas rigids, but due to the lack of 44-tonne gas trucks available, we have been unable to purchase more vehicles, as 44-tonne trucks comprise most of the vehicles we own. This new truck offers an exciting opportunity to shift to a low-carbon fuel, and with a range of 330 miles, it can be deployed on most routes. The truck is manufactured by IVECO, but modifications have been undertaken by the South West Truck & Van dealership, such as swapping the steel gas tanks for carbon fibre tanks to increase the range.

The truck has a gas engine which runs on biomethane fuel, and because it is a renewable fuel made from waste products, it has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 90% on a well-to-wheel basis. This makes it a serious contender for our portfolio of decarbonisation solutions and could help accelerate our journey to net zero.

“We were very excited to trial this biomethane truck as there are limited solutions available on the market to decarbonise 44-tonne trucks. Until zero-emission electric or hydrogen trucks become a reality, renewable fuels such as biomethane have an extremely important role to play and therefore form a key aspect of our short to medium-term carbon reduction strategy.” – Anna Rickard, Environmental Consultant.

To learn more about our sustainability initiatives, please visit our about us page.