At the Daimler Truck Test and Development Centre in Woerth am Rhein, the first commercial test runs of a brand new fuel cell truck commenced. For this pioneering project, VERVAEKE invested in a new bulk trailer and will use the new combination to transport PVC for its customer INEOS Inovyn.
After several test runs on the test track and on public roads, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks have been declared ready for use in the daily operations of five major players. Each of these players operates in a different sector, allowing the hydrogen trucks to be tested for various applications. Through these field tests, Daimler Truck’s engineering team aims to better understand the specific needs of different customers and incorporate these insights into further developments towards series production.
Frédéric Derumeaux, CEO of VERVAEKE, expressed his pride in being part of this test fleet. He highlighted the potential of liquid hydrogen as an excellent solution for CO2-free long-distance transport, complementing other technologies such as battery-electric trucks. As a forward-looking logistics provider, VERVAEKE is committed to participating actively in the trend towards greener business practices, even within heavy transport. However, Derumeaux emphasised that investments in hydrogen-powered vehicles will only be successful if governments provide sufficient refuelling infrastructure, and the running costs of this infrastructure must be comparable to those for conventional vehicles. He acknowledged the challenges that remain, particularly in producing sufficient green hydrogen.
In the quest for more sustainable freight transport, it is essential to consider the entire logistics chain. The cooperation between VERVAEKE and INEOS Inovyn for this specific project aligns perfectly with this vision.
The commercial test runs for PVC transport can now be carried out in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. VERVAEKE thus becomes the first European carrier to provide emission-free transport within the chemical industry. A recent change in legislation will allow new hydrogen trucks to be ADR approved starting from 1 January 2025. This evolution will enable VERVAEKE to transport other products with hydrogen trucks as well. This expansion provides an opportunity for more customers, who consider sustainability a core element of their strategy, to switch to advanced green technology.
source : https://tanknewsinternational.com/vervaeke-takes-one-of-five-prototypes-of-the-mercedes-benz-genh2-truck-into-operation/
