The fleet to be expanded with LNG-powered trucks

JSC Vlantana, one of the largest transport companies in Lithuania, is planning to acquire new Iveco Sway trucks powered by the ‘cleanest’ fossil fuel in the world – liquefied natural gas (LNG) – by the end of this year. In the context of building a climate-neutral economy, LNG has an important role to play: the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles contributes to the long-term goal of the European Union to reduce CO2 emissions from cars and vans by at least 40% by 2030.

The first LNG truck has already been delivered to Lithuania and testing of a specific selected model is currently in process.

‘We are focused and pay great attention to sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, which will enable not only us but our customers as well to contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution – their goods will be transported in an environmentally friendly way, producing less pollution. LNG fueled truck engines have the lowest impact on the environment emitting significantly less harmful particles compared to diesel engines. In addition, engines of this technology work very quietly, which is relevant when delivering goods at night in cities where noise restrictions apply,’ said Tomas Stonys, General Manager of UAB Vlantana, talking about the acquisition of LNG trucks.

According to him, the long-term strategy of the company focuses on renewal of the car fleet taking into account the ecological aspect. The manufacturer of Iveco Sway trucks declares that its gas-powered vehicle reduces emissions of particulate matter by 90-95% and significantly lowers emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), compared to its diesel counterpart. It is worth noting that the Iveco Sway truck with two LNG fuel tanks can travel up to 1600 km per refuel. It is estimated that the fuel consumption of an LNG fueled truck is as high as 15 percent compared to a diesel-powered truck.

Unfortunately, the network of LNG gas stations has not been developed in our country yet, currently we do not have any gas station to refuel LNG-powered trucks. Therefore sadly the new LNG trucks will operate in foreign markets with the main routes between Germany and the Benelux countries which have the best developed LNG gas station network’, emphasized T. Stonys.

Lithuania has approved a strategic objective and conditions to encourage companies to purchase liquefied gas-powered trucks and promote installation of gas filling stations. For example, in Germany, this type of measures is promoted very intensively and companies using LNG as a fuel for trucks are exempted from road tax.

The EU is currently implementing a so-called Blue Corridor project to install LNG filling stations for heavy-duty trucks at least every 400 km, but the reality is that the corridor currently ends at the German-Polish border.