DP World has launched the UK’s first low carbon truck programme at its London Gateway and Southampton logistics hubs, giving truck operators access to renewable fuel in a landmark move for the container logistics sector.
With more than 4,000 truck visits per day at its two UK ports, the initiative will support at least 500 trucks in switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, a fuel that reduces carbon intensity by up to 85% compared to diesel.
Importantly, DP World will make HVO available to operators at the same cost as diesel, removing financial barriers to adoption.
The trial, which will run until 2027, is open to truck operators regularly moving fully laden import or export containers through DP World’s UK ports.
It is designed as a stepping stone towards full electrification of heavy goods vehicles, which deliver zero emissions at the tailpipe.
DP World has partnered with Certas Energy and New Era Fuels to supply the renewable fuel. Operators whose trucks visit a DP World UK port with a loaded container more than 90 times in three months will qualify for up to 5,000 litres of HVO per vehicle, per port.
The fuel will be available either via bulk deliveries to operators’ yards or through fuel cards at nationwide refuelling stations.
John Trenchard, Vice President for Sustainable International Supply Chains at DP World, highlighted the broader impact saying that they estimate that over 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ could be cut each year if all our trucking partners participate.
The programme is also accompanied by a full-day Carbon Literacy Training course, designed to support operators and supply chain partners in navigating the shift towards decarbonised logistics.
Richard Smith, Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association, welcomed the move.
The Low Carbon Truck Programme is funded by DP World’s Energy Transition Contribution, levied on all import-laden containers handled at its UK terminals.
