Peel Ports, one of the largest port operators in the UK, has transitioned most of its straddle carriers and plant equipment from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as part of its ambitious target to become a net zero port operator by 2040.
The Group hit the million litre milestone in May and is the first port operator to make the transition, which represents a third of its entire annual fuel consumption, working with local Merseyside supplier County Oil Group Ltd to support in the full transition to HVO biodiesel at the Port of Liverpool.
County Oil Group Ltd is an independent, family run business employing 20 people across its depots in North Cheshire and Liverpool, and supplies major branded fuels and lubricants across the North West.
James Riddick, Group Head of Supply Chain at Peel Ports Group said: “Over the last 12 months, we have made significant strides to reduce carbon emissions in and around the Port of Liverpool. This has a positive impact for port users and the local community.
“County Oil Group is helping us transition to HVO, which reduces the amount of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere by up to 90% and, whilst these fuels are a transitional step in the journey to net zero, we are working with equipment manufacturers and suppliers to support our efforts in finding the most effective energy solutions for the long term.”
Kevin Coxhead, Director at County Oil Group said: “We are delighted to be working with Peel Ports Group as they move to greener energy use. As a small business operating in the North West and located near the Port of Liverpool, we are able to provide fast delivery response and meet their demand for premium quality products.”
“We fully support Peel Ports Group’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions, whilst supporting a local, small business such as this demonstrates how sustainability extends beyond the environment and provides local business and employment benefits.”
In the last 12 months, Peel Ports has been recognised for its efforts in driving a sustainable agenda with several accolades including the GreenFleet award for ‘Private Sector Commercial Fleet of the Year’, Maritime UK’s ‘Maritime 2050 Award’ which recognises support for the Government’s 2050 sustainable maritime industry strategy, and it has recently been shortlisted for the ‘Sustainability Award’ at the 2022 Multimodal Awards.