Maritime Transport, a leading road and rail logistics company in the UK, is spearheading a significant transition towards electrifying its trucking fleet. Maritime Transport has ordered a total of 48 battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered semi-trucks, with an initial order of 18 all-electric Scania tractor units arriving first. These trucks, rated for 42 tonnes and boasting a range of 300-500 km (up to 310 miles), are well-equipped to serve Maritime Transport’s rail freight terminals from major UK ports. The introduction of these vehicles is expected to facilitate more containerized product transportation by rail, with electric trucks handling first and last-mile deliveries. Maritime Transport will also be installing high-powered EV charging stations will be installed across it’s network of 41 depots, terminals, and container storage sites.
Maritime Transport’s decision to order 48 battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell-powered semi-trucks underscores its dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and embracing sustainable operations as part of the UK’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) program.
Maritime Transport’s environmental agenda extends beyond vehicle procurement, with plans to install high-powered EV charging stations across its extensive network of 41 depots, terminals, and container storage sites. This kind of infrastructure investment is crucial in supporting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and ensuring the seamless operation of Maritime Transport’s electrified trucking fleet.
Tom Williams, Maritime Transport’s Deputy Chief Executive, emphasizes the significance of this investment, positioning the company at the forefront of the industry’s transition to sustainable operations. By actively participating in initiatives like ZEHID and eFREIGHT 2030, Maritime Transport aims to provide vital insights for government infrastructure decisions, ultimately making road freight more sustainable.
The electrification of the transportation sector sets unique challenges due to the size and weight of the vehicles as well as long distances and tight timetables leaving little room for lengthy charging processes. This announcement gives several insights into Maritime Transport’s electrification plans and may set a precedent to be followed by other companies in the transport sector. The UK’s rail network is already highly electrified, and using electric trucks to do last mile deliveries will allow deliveries to be made fully electric for the entire journey reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Longer journeys that cannot be completed by rail are likely to be where hydrogen trucks are employed, showing how hydrogen and battery powertrains may both be required to reduce emissions in the transport sector.
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