HVO & HGVs: Inside DP World's Low Carbon Truck Programme

The International Energy Agency says that trucks are responsible for a disproportionately high percentage of direct CO₂ emissions.

DP World UK is launching a Low Carbon Truck Programme trial, providing UK HGV fleet owners an opportunity to reduce trucking emissions.

The trial allows for the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a cleaner, renewable diesel alternative.

Partnering for decarbonisation

DP World is set to partner with leading renewable fuel providers, supporting businesses in advancing in their sustainability efforts.

Fleet owners can claim up to 5,000 litres of HVO for the same price as diesel for every vehicle that moves through the London gateway or Southampton port more than 90 times within each three-month qualifying period using the Vehicle Booking System (VBS).

The HVO claims are capped at 50,000 litres or 10 vehicles per Group of Companies per Port.

Participating companies will also be asked to attend a free eight hour Carbon Literacy training workshop to strengthen understanding of CO₂ emissions, reporting and decarbonisation strategies.

These workshops are specifically tailored to the road freight and logistics industry.

“Cargo owners and freight forwarders can significantly reduce their supply chain Scope 3 emissions if they use trucking companies that participate in the programme,” says John Trenchard, Vice President for Sustainable International Supply Chains at DP World.

“This is an innovative first for the container sector and we estimate that more than 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide could be reduced each year if all our trucking partners register. 

“Our hope is to encourage early adoption as a transitional step towards the eventual goal of electrification.

“With the forthcoming launch of the new driver welfare facility at Southampton, we’re delighted to be doing more for road hauliers and we’re confident that the trial will mirror the success of our industry leading Modal Shift and Carbon Inset Programmes.”

This initiative is part of DP World’s wider commitment to lead by example in climate action and supporting our partners in meeting Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions targets. 

The programme is currently scheduled to run for 28 months.

Why use HVO?

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a renewable diesel gaining momentum as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.

Switching to HVO can cut CO₂e emissions by up to 90%, offering an immediate way to begin reducing carbon impact. 

While not a replacement for electrification, it provides a practical step forward on the path to low-carbon transport and helps organisations explore alternative sustainable options.

HVO's advantages include a smooth transition, as it is compatible with existing diesel engines and approved by a wide range of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Participating in the programme

“Hauliers want to reduce their emissions and our recent Net Zero Survey highlighted how operators see low carbon fuels achieving this as an interim step to net zero,” says Richard Smith, Managing Director, Road Haulage Association.

“Appropriately sourced HVO offers a way for them to do this and we welcome DP World’s ‘Low Carbon Truck Programme’ together with the accompanying carbon literacy training to support hauliers on this journey.”

To join the programme, companies must complete the registration form. 

During registration, the signing of the terms and conditions will be asked, explaining how the programme is managed and detail the information required from the organisation, including up-to-date vehicle registration details. 

DP World’s team will then be in touch to guide you through the process.

Once information has been received and shared with the chosen fuel supplier, the company will then be enrolled in the programme. 

After each qualifying period, DP World is set to confirm the amount of HVO allocated and the fuel supplier will directly to discuss the contract in place between the organisation and theirs.