DHL Supply Chain invests in sustainable fuels to reduce CO2e emissions

• DHL Supply Chain has tested bio-LNG and HVO100 alternative fuels in real operation
• Five tractor-trailers were involved in the test over three months
• CO2e saving compared to diesel was over 80%

DHL Supply Chain has tested the use of bio liquified natural gas (bio-LNG) and hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO100) in real operation. Five tractor-trailers were involved in the test. The vehicles drove on their regular long-distance routes to Germany and Hungary. During the three-month testing, the average saving in CO2e emissions was 80% for bio LNG, 88% for HVO100.

HVO100 is a type of renewable diesel fuel made from 100% hydrogenated vegetable oil, which can be used as a direct replacement for conventional diesel in existing engines to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bio-LNG is a form of liquefied natural gas produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, offering a renewable and low-emission alternative to conventional LNG.

“I am pleased that we managed to pass the tests of available alternative fuels with very decent results. Our customers will get a real picture of how much emissions savings they can achieve with bio-LNG and HVO100, which will significantly help them in their decision-making. At the same time, we will provide them with a certificate from our suppliers, with which they can declare a reduction in CO2e emissions, if necessary,” explains Lubomír Sasarák, DHL Supply Chain fleet manager for Central and Eastern Europe.

DHL Supply Chain has been using sustainable alternatives in its fleet for several years. For example, it operates LNG-powered tractors, which can easily be transitioned to bio-LNG, in use since year 2022. It also has experience with electric tractors, with which it provides transport in Poland and the Central Bohemian region in Czech Rep., or with trucks powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and bio-CNG.

“Tests of bio-LNG and HVO100 alternative fuels have confirmed the suitability especially for long-distance transport, for which tractors with electric motors are not yet suitable. We are counting on hydrogen trucks in the future, but they are still under development, and they are extremely costly,” explains Lubomír Sasarák and adds: “As for the price of alternative fuels, HVO100 is better now. Its indisputable advantage is that it is cheaper than bio-LNG and its use is approved by most manufacturers of vehicles with diesel engines. It is therefore not necessary to change the fleet.”

DHL Supply Chain’s goal is to achieve a 30% share of sustainable drives and fuels in its own fleet by the end of 2026and partners up with customers in the transition to green road transport. By doing so, it provides them with an effective tool to increase the sustainability of their supply chains.