Maritime Transport has made a move towards sustainability by placing a substantial order for 18 battery-electric, 42-tonne tractor units. This purchase marks the initial phase of acquiring a total of 48 battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks to be deployed across its network. The initiative is part of the ZEHID programme, in which Maritime is a leading participant.
These zero-emission trucks, sourced from Scania, Renault Trucks, and DAF, will be incorporated into Maritime’s fleet as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, spearheaded by Voltempo. Supported by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK, the consortium aims to facilitate the freight sector’s transition to Net Zero emissions. By 2026, the Voltempo consortium plans to deploy electric HGVs across 11 fleets and establish a nationwide Charging network equipped with British-made chargers.
Maritime’s fleet expansion is notable for its size and significance within the ZEHID consortium. These new trucks, adorned in the company’s recognizable blue and white livery, boast advanced vehicle technology and a range of 300-500km. They will play a crucial role in Maritime’s strategy to accelerate modal shift, particularly in facilitating first and final mile deliveries for containerised and domestic products.
The trucks are expected to arrive between late 2024 and early 2025, coinciding with the installation of electric charging stations across Maritime’s network of 41 transport depots, rail terminals, and container storage sites.
“This investment places us at the forefront of our industry’s transition to sustainable operations and we are excited to initiate this phase of our environmental strategy,” says Tom Williams, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Transport. ”Our active participation in ZEHID and pioneering initiatives like eFREIGHT 2030 over the next five years is set to yield vital insights for the government’s long-term infrastructure decisions to make road freight more sustainable and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Acknowledging the variations in range and payload, we believe these vehicles will substantially contribute to our efforts in providing sustainable and efficient services to our customers, complementing our growing network of rail freight services and terminals.”
”We’re delighted to see Maritime placing its first order for electric HGVs, demonstrating the ambition and commitment that will help transform freight logistics and accelerate the uptake of zero emission HGVs,” says Michael Boxwell, Group CEO, Voltempo, the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium lead.
”This is a landmark moment,” adds Chris Newitt, Managing Director, Scania UK one of the vehicle suppliers. ”It marks the beginning of the UK’s transition to a zero-emission HGV future, and we’re pleased to be working with Maritime, Voltempo and the eFREIGHT 2030 consortia to make this first step a reality.”
