DHL expands “green” fleets in Japan and Belgium
The international logistics giant said the new vehicles come as part of its GoGreen environmental initiative, through which it has now deployed more than 11,500 “environmentally-friendly” vehicles around the world.
The initiative sees Deutsche Post DHL striving to improve its carbon efficiency by 30% compared to a 2007 baseline by 2020. So far, the firm says it has achieved an 18% improvement.
In Japan, the company has rolled out a fleet of electric delivery vehicles to service Tokyo’s Marunouchi district, where financial institutions, trading companies and other corporations have their headquarters.
The e-NV200 light commercial vans were supplied by Nissan Motor Corporation.
DHL Japan began introducing hybrid vehicles and bicycles to its operations in 2006, with the GoGreen initiative launching in Japan in 2009.
DHL Express Japan president and representative director Taketo Yamakawa said environmental protection was “essential” to a company’s sustainable growth.
“Protecting our environment and meeting the challenge of global warming with measures such as controlling emission of carbon dioxide is a critical mission of the entire logistics industry,” he said.
“As the global leader of the industry, we will continue to strive to provide measures to cope with climate change issues including the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles.”
Belgium
DHL has just introduced teardrop trailers to its operations in Belgium
In Belgium DHL has introduced two teardrop trailers and an LNG-powered truck to help cut its fuel consumption. The vehicles will be operated by DHL partner Ninatrans.
The teardrop trailers were supplied by UK firm Don-Bur, and feature more aerodynamic shapes that should reduce air resistance and cut fuel consumption by 5-10% according to DHL.
The LNG truck has been built by Iveco and runs on natural gas, which means lower emissions compared to conventional engines by 5-10%. The truck has a reach of about 700km and will refuel at an LNG station in the city of Tilburg.
Patrick Boone, Vice President Road Network Europe, DHL Express, said: Green transport solutions are a vital part in modern logistics operations. We have been working with our partners and customers to create tailor made answers to their transport needs. The teardrop trailer and the LNG-truck perfectly represent this approach and will help to reduce the environmental impact of the operations
