As part of their commitment to carbon reduction Freightliner will conduct operational trials of a new low carbon fuel supplied by Green Biofuels Ltd (GBF).
The Gd45 Shell GTL Fuel will be used on some diesel-powered Freightliner services to help demonstrate the environmental benefits of rail-freight transportation.
The new, cleaner fuel solution designed by GBF and Shell tackles greenhouse gases and particulate emissions throughout the rail freight industry.
GBF are the UK’s leading provider of Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and the new fuel consists of 55% Shell GTL (gas to liquids) Fuel and 45% Gd+ HVO.
Over recent months Freightliner have extensively trialled the fuel as part of a partnership with Shell and GBF.
Data from the tests show a reduction of 84% methane, 14% NOx and 18% ultra fine particulates when using the new fuel over regular diesel.
This did not impact on the performance of trains and there was no loss of horsepower.
The use of the new fuel in future will prove to be an essential fuel transition on the journey to net zero by 2050.
Tim Shakerley, Managing Director for Rail at Freightliner spoke on the importance of reducing carbon emissions in the rail freight industry.
Mr Shakerley said: “With COP 26 focusing global attention on the importance of climate change, Freightliner is committed to and at the forefront of a number of energy saving initiatives.
“Rail is already the most carbon efficient mode for transporting freight around Great Britain.
“Growing volumes using alternative fuels will be crucial to support the decarbonisation of the UK economy.
“The journey to net zero 2050 will require a range of different technologies and fuels, and we are delighted to have supported the development of this transitional fuel.
“We are delighted that Freightliner will continue operational trials of the [fuel] powered by Shell GTL Fuel across a number of our services.”
