The Nordics are gearing up for the future

More and more goods and people are travelling across the Nordic countries. This also means that traffic emissions are rising. A lot has been done to tackle these emissions, as the Nordic countries have set ambitious goals to solve the problem of rising global temperatures. One clear and effective solution has been to invest in gas as a fuel, as the transport and logistics company DB Schenker is doing.

It is a well-known fact that heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) and maritime traffic form most of the emissions from transport. As freight transport is increasing throughout Europe, we must find fast solutions to ensure that emissions do not rise with them.

All Nordic countries are working on ensuring a wide adoption of sustainable transport fuels. These include hydrogen-, electric- and gas-powered vehicles as well as liquid biofuels. Driven by the desire to diversify the fuel supply and reduce air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, gas is being seen as a new powertrain and fuel option for heavy duty vehicle segment. The fact that infrastructure for gas-powered vehicles is already available in the Nordics sets this type of fuel apart.

“There’s a clear argument for moving towards more environmentally-friendly fuels as soon as possible. For years now, Gasum has worked towards establishing a fuelling station network network which includes most of the areas in the Nordic countries, where transport companies operate. A clear benefit of moving to liquified natural gas (LNG) is that it enables a fast emission reduction from day one as well as builds the way towards using entirely renewable liquefied biogas, as it works with the same engines. I am happy to see rapidly increased interested towards gas solutions among the different players,” says Jukka Metsälä, Vice President of Traffic at Gasum.

DB Schenker is investing in LNG-powered trucks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

We are now in the phase where trendsetting companies are already ahead of the curve on sustainability. One of the global pioneers of sustainable transport is the transport and logistics company DB Schenker. The company operates in 140 countries, including in many locations in the Nordics. As such a big operator in the transport business, the company´s choices play an important role in efforts to reduce the sector´s emissions.

“We can’t end transportation or moving people around. That´s a fact. We need goods and people to get around. But, we can have an effect on emissions through certain choices and solutions answering increased demand for sustainable logistic. Our choice of fuel is of great significance,” says Anni Lemola, Head of Operational Excellence at DB Schenker.

DB Schenker aims at reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by the year 2030. To achieve the target, the company is turning to cleaner modes of transport, one of which is LNG-powered tractor units. Positive experiences with natural gas-powered trucks in Sweden have encouraged the company to also take them into use in Finland.

One of the pleased drivers of DB Schenker’s new LNG trucks is Ossi Tiilikainen, who has been driving Iveco trucks for 22 years.

“The Iveco truck feels different to drive, but power-wise there’s no difference to a diesel truck. The engine is also very quiet. When refueling, there is no smell of naphtha on your gloves. The fuel is also a bit cheaper,” says Tiilikainen.

“It’s a great experience for an old trucker to drive a truck like this. We are heading in the direction of cleaner fuels anyway, and I want this world to remain clean and livable for future generations,” Tiilikainen continues.

Learn more about how DB Schenker is pioneering in sustainable transportation.

Pioneers of sustainable transportation - DB Schenker

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26.11.2019