How DP World are Driving Sustainability With EVITA Trial

In a significant move to decarbonise the logistics sector, DP World has expanded its sustainability initiatives to include the Electric Vehicle Transition & Introduction Accelerator (EVITA) trial.

This development builds upon the success of the Low Carbon Truck Programme (LCTP) launched in September, which was designed to offer truck operators access to sustainable fuel alternatives.

The logistics industry remains a heavy contributor to global pollution, accounting for approximately 24% of global CO₂ emissions. In 2023 alone, fossil-fuelled road transport in the European Union generated 750 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Notably, 39% of this figure originated from light and heavy trucks and buses. Consequently, the pressure is mounting on procurement and supply chain leaders to identify and implement greener operational strategies.

Reducing the carbon footprint

To mitigate this environmental impact, logistics companies globally are transitioning toward electric vehicles and alternative fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). HVO serves as a renewable diesel substitute capable of reducing emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional fossil fuels.

DP World, which manages the influx of more than 4,000 trucks daily at its two UK ports, is actively working to offset carbon emissions. Since September, the company has provided UK heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleet owners with HVO at no additional cost. Fleet owners can claim up to 5,000 litres of HVO per vehicle, a strategy that combines discounted access to renewable fuel with carbon literacy training.

Following the initial success of the LCTP, the company is now pushing further into electrification.

"As an expansion to our Low Carbon Truck Programme (LCTP) we have launched our Electric Vehicle Transition & Introduction Accelerator (EVITA) trial – a pragmatic approach to support container truck operators to trial zero tailpipe emission vehicles for container work," explains John Trenchard, VP of Sustainable International Supply Chains at DP World Europe.

Electrifying the supply chain

Moving beyond low-emission fuels, DP World is targeting zero emissions through the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As EVs become a preferred replacement for fossil fuel vehicles, many logistics firms are initiating trials for electric HGVs (eHGVs).

"Earlier this month we made another small but important step to support customers with lower carbon containerised supply chain solutions in the UK, by assigning two 42 tonne electric HGVs to local hauliers for container transport at Southampton," says John.

"In this initial EVITA trial, we have teamed up with the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight (SRF) at University of Cambridge and their ‘JOLT’ programme, to test 4 trucks between January and June with members of the LCTP. Thanks to David Cebon and the team for collaborating on this project."

The trial involves collaboration with local businesses to ensure practical application.

"Natalie Noke, Director at SJG Haulage & Commercial workshop and James Watts, Managing Director at Port Express Limited took delivery of the first EVITA trial trucks at DP World Southampton, where our new driver welfare facilities and twin electric truck charging stations (with 360kWh capacity) support operators with the EV transition. These trucks are now at work with container trucking deliveries to and from Southampton."

All supply chain, sustainability, Scope 3 and net zero leaders should attend:

• Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Sustainability LIVE, these events brings together CSCOs, CSOs and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

Overcoming barriers for SMEs

While the push for sustainable logistics is vital, the transition to eHGVs presents a significant financial hurdle, particularly for smaller businesses. The EVITA trial aims to level the playing field, allowing small fleets to decarbonise without the prohibitive initial costs.

"The focus on helping small fleets to decarbonise and finding practical solutions to their electrification problems is critically important to the energy transition for trucking. Small (family run) businesses are the backbone of the industry and run most of the world's trucks," says David Cebon, Director of Centre for Sustainable Road Freight and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at University of Cambridge.

"They also do the most difficult logistics tasks, need flexible vehicles with large ranges and extensive charging infrastructure and of course, small companies have the least resources available to fund the transition.

"DP World is one of very few large companies in logistics that are taking positive steps to help SMEs. This lines-up perfectly with the objectives of Project JOLT - so we are delighted to collaborate on this project."

By addressing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions through collaborative efforts, DP World is facilitating a necessary transformation within the logistics sector.