Volvo LNG trucks deliver for Gasrec

Reynolds Logistics has chosen has chosen Volvo LNG tractor units to deliver liquefied natural gas to Gasrec truck refuelling sites at Sittingbourne, Swindon, Tamworth and Daventry from the LNG terminal on the Isle of Grain in Kent.

With a fully-loaded tanker trailer, the trucks have a range of approximately 450 miles.

The two ADR-specified FM 6×2 tractors use Volvo’s G13C 460 hp engine, which retains a high ‘diesel’ compression ratio as it uses a small amount of the fuel to provide an ignition medium for the gas. Consequentially, torque and power are comparable to an equivalent diesel engine. The fuels are injected sequentially into the combustion chamber via a single injector nozzle and there is no electrical ignition system or spark plugs.

James Westcott, Gasrec’s chief commercial officer, said: “As a company we believe it is crucial we practice what we preach, so to now be delivering all of our LNG using the latest technology gas-powered trucks is an important landmark.

“Natural gas is cleaner and cheaper than diesel and is currently the only truly sustainable alternative fuel source available on the commercial vehicle market.”

The new tractors replace older dual-fuel Volvos.

Chief executive officer at Reynolds Logistics, Andrew Reynolds is a firm believer in natural gas technology, and has received excellent driver feedback on the latest trucks in the company’s fleet.

He says: “We’re excited to see where natural gas will take the industry. The experience for us so far has been really positive – our drivers are very happy with the performance of the new vehicles.”

Gasrec predicts that one-third of the UK’s 44-tonne truck fleet will be running on gas in the next seven years. Volvo, Scania and Iveco all offer gas-fuelled production trucks in the UK.