If you are pulling a tanker load of fuel, then it makes sense for the vehicle to use that fuel. It would be ironic if the tractor unit towing a ‘green’ LNG tanker destined for road use was fuelled by diesel. That’s exactly what Worthing-based AD Fuels has managed to avoid in growing its fleet with the addition of four ADR-spec Volvo FH LNG 6×2 tractor units, in response to the surge in demand for transporting LNG.
The three-year old company, which hauls for major road transport gas providers, placed the order with local dealer MC Truck and Bus after trialling demonstrators from two rival manufacturers.
LNG Demand in the UP
Jon Mayes, Head of Transport and a Director at AD Fuels says: “Demand for LNG is growing exponentially, and we felt now was the perfect opportunity to introduce these trucks into our own operation. We’ve seen at first-hand the benefits LNG brings to fleets; and just like them, we wanted to take advantage of running on a cleaner and cheaper fuel too.”
Why Buy Volvo LNG Trucks?
Commenting on the decision to select the Volvo product, Mayes explains: “The Volvo demonstrator performed exceptionally well, didn’t skip a beat in service and has quickly established itself as the most popular LNG truck on the market.
“The aftersales support you get from Volvo Trucks is right up there with the best, and the product got a big thumbs up from our drivers. It gave us the confidence to make the jump to moving LNG with LNG – and we couldn’t be happier with our new trucks.”
The four Volvo FH LNGs were delivered into service by MC Truck & Bus’ depot in Burgess Hill, each on contract from Volvo Financial Services and backed by a Volvo Gold Contract, which includes all repairs, wear and tear, preventive maintenance and roadside assistance.
Each vehicle is expected to cover around 160,000 km per year and will be on the road seven days per week, transporting LNG from the Isle of Grain to a growing list of customer sites across the UK.
Their arrival sees the fleet increase from 12 to 16 trucks, with AD Fuels growing the size of its LNG tanker fleet too. By the end of 2021, the company expects to have 13 dedicated LNG tankers on the road, alongside several moving floor trailers and CNG tankers.
Almost Boaty McBoatface
All four trucks have been named by pupils from Thomas A Becket Junior School in Worthing, who were set the challenge to propose suitable options with a ‘green’ ethos in mind, in return for winning Amazon book vouchers. The winning names were Sir Gas’Elot, Greenzilla, Eco Eddie and Leafy Luna – which have each now been incorporated into the company’s signwriting.
The Technology
Like all Volvo FH and FM LNG models, the new trucks stand out for using small amounts of diesel to initiate ignition of the air-fuel mixture. This enables Volvo’s G13C engine to deliver the same 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque as its diesel-only counterpart, with matching driveability, reliability and service intervals. Drivers also benefit from engine braking just like a regular diesel model – without requiring a separate retarder which adds weight and complexity.