Ferytrans has placed a repeat order with Hultsteins for Ecogen systems. When integrated into six new Scania Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tractors, the systems will power Ferytrans’ existing trailer refrigeration units while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
The Managing Director of Ferytrans, Feri Lazar, stated, “These gas-powered tractors will reduce our carbon emissions by around 80%. Plus, by fitting Ecogen to run the trailer fridges on electric, we will further reduce carbon emissions by around 17 tonnes per vehicle combination per year.”
Ferytrans, headquartered in Southampton, operates as a dedicated provider of temperature-controlled transport services and is also the owner of BigFoot Logistics. Together, these companies manage a fleet consisting of 40 modern Scania tractor units and 65 high-specification dual temperature trailers. Ferytrans’ clientele includes major retailers and brands such as Amazon, Tesco, and Pork Farms. The newly acquired CNG-powered Scania tractors are slated to serve their customer, Lidl.
Graham Usher, Managing Director of Hultsteins in the UK and Ireland, noted, “Ecogen Cost Saver is a sustainable and retrofittable refrigeration solution. It allows operators to run their trailer fridge units on electric, thereby cutting carbon emissions by around 80%, DPM (Diesel Particulate Matter) by 98%, and NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) by 400%. It also reduces maintenance and repair costs on the fridge diesel engine, ultimately reducing overall operating costs.”
The Ecogen system is an electric-hydraulic drive system that transforms diesel-powered fridge units into electric operation when connected to the tractor. It utilises the Power Take-Off (PTO) from the tractor engine to generate a constant 400V of electricity, which powers the built-in electric motor in the fridge during transit. Additionally, Hultsteins provides a custom battery pack to ensure that the trailer fridge remains operational when parked.
Feri Lazar further explained, “By running the fridge on electric, Ecogen also helps minimise noise during deliveries, which is particularly beneficial in residential areas. The combination of Scania CNG tractors and Hultsteins Ecogen provides the optimum sustainable solution for refrigerated transport.”
Ferytrans has made a strategic investment in the Ecogen systems, with calculations suggesting a return on investment (ROI) of approximately 18 months per system. This commitment to eco-friendly technology not only aligns with the company’s sustainability goals but also positions them as a forward-thinking leader in the temperature-controlled transport sector.
