Merseyside independent fuel business County Oil Group has helped Port of Liverpool operator Peel Ports reach a key milestone in the use of ‘green’ fuel. Tony McDonough reports

Port of Liverpool operator Peel Ports has now used 1m litres of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in its port vehicles – slashing CO2 emissions by up to 90%.

Peel Ports has transitioned most of its straddle carriers and plant equipment from diesel to HVO. This forms part of its target to become a net zero port operator by 2040.

Supplied by Merseyside-based independent family firm County Oil Group, it is claimed HVO is a fossil-free diesel product. It is produced by hydrotreatment of vegetable oils and or animal fats. It offers a chemical structure almost identical to regular diesel.

In March Peel Ports announced it was making the switch and in May it hit the 1m-litre milestone. It is the first port operator to make the transition, which represents a third of its entire annual fuel consumption.

As well as the Port of Liverpool, Peel Ports also owns and operates facilities at Heysham, Medway, Clydeport, Great Yarmouth and the Manchester Ship Canal. It also operates a container terminal at Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.

James Riddick, group head of supply chain at Peel Ports, said: “Over the last 12 months, we have made significant strides to reduce carbon emissions in and around the Port of Liverpool. This has a positive impact for port users and the local community.

“County Oil is helping us transition to HVO, which reduces the amount of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere by up to 90%. These fuels are a transitional step in the journey to net zero. However, we are working with equipment manufacturers and suppliers to support our efforts in finding the most effective energy solutions for the long term.”

County Oil employs 20 people across its depots in North Cheshire and Liverpool. It supplies major branded fuels and lubricants across the North West.

Director Kevin Coxhead added: “As a small business operating in the North West and located near the Port of Liverpool, we are able to provide fast delivery response and meet their demand for premium quality products.”

In the last 12 months, Peel Ports has been recognised for its efforts in driving a sustainable agenda. It has won. several accolades including the GreenFleet award for Private Sector Commercial Fleet of the Year and Maritime UK’s Maritime 2050 Award. It has also been shortlisted for the Sustainability Award at the 2022 Multimodal Awards.