The Hegelmann Group bought five liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks. This is just the beginning of the operator’s investment in emission-free vehicles. The company is keeping up with the trend of sustainable development in the transport sector.
Five Iveco Stralis 460 NP bought by Hegelmann were scheduled to travel from Poland through Germany to France and Italy as early as in February. The latest purchase is a prelude to the company’s further investments in its green fleet. According to the Group, which also has a branch in Poland, by 2025 LNG trucks are to make up at least 20% of the company’s fleet, which currently consists of about 4,000 vehicles. Hegelmann believes that the new vehicles will not only be more environmentally friendly but will also have a positive impact on the efficiency of the Group’s operations.
According to Iveco, an LNG truck consumes 10-15% less fuel than a diesel truck and can travel up to 1,600 km when fully refuelled.
As the company emphasises, the decision to purchase is dictated by market trends and regulations that aim to reduce the negative environmental impact of transport. With the entry into force of EU green energy legislation in the EU, CO2 emissions from vehicles will have to be reduced by 40% from 2030.
As one of the largest carriers in Europe, we feel responsible for creating a more sustainable environment. It is like a mission for us – we try to convince our customers to purchase the new trucks we introduce and show them that they are as efficient as those with diesel engines. At the same time, it is a new and long-term method of sustainable development, and customers can contribute to it,” Siegfried Hegelmann, Group shareholder, comments on the company strategy.
Further investment in Hegelmann’s LNG vehicles will depend on the development of LNG station infrastructure in Europe. However, the company hopes that the network of liquefied gas stations will grow rapidly on the continent and the company will be able to expand its route map to reach all countries in Europe.
LNG at the customer’s request?
Last year, the Spanish logistics operator Havi, which provides comprehensive services to McDonald’s restaurants, decided to make a similar but larger investment. In February 2019 the company ordered 14 Scania trucks powered by CNG and LNG. The purchase of trucks was part of an action plan to reduce the environmental impact of the supply chain over the next five years. Behind this action plan and the company’s decision to buy trucks powered by gas was McDonald’s corporate policy, which aims to build a green image of the company.
Photo: Hegelmann