Cargo handler Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) and fuel supplier Shell Hong Kong have signed an agreement for the use of renewable diesel for the cargo firm’s ramp equipment and road vehicles.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) also encompasses collaboration on charging infrastructure for electric road vehicles and ground services equipment at the handler’s SuperTerminal 1 facility.
Hactl said the two companies had been working together as part of an airport-wide programme led by Airport Authority Hong Kong since April last year to test and evaluate the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for vehicles.
"The pilot scheme’s success has driven the extension and expansion of the cooperation, through this new dedicated Hactl/Shell agreement,” Hactl explained.
Hactl chief executive Wilson Kwong said: “Shell Renewable Diesel is a little more expensive than the B5/B7 biodiesel that Hactl has been using, but our research confirms it will achieve a dramatic reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional petroleum-based diesel fuel.
"This will be an important factor in achieving Hactl’s overall sustainability targets: full adoption of renewable diesel will help us reduce our overall Scope 1 GHG emissions by 40%.
“HVO requires no modification to engines, and its use does not create any operational issues throughout the seasons and their varying climactic conditions.”
Hactl plans to expand the use of HVO across more of its 190-strong ground service equipment fleet, which includes tractors, loaders, conveyor belts and passenger steps.
However, this is an interim step to reduce emissions, while Hactl progressively tests and introduces electrically-powered alternatives.
