After having had good experiences with Volvo LNG for quite some time, Schenk Tanktransport from Papendrecht recently started using Volvo FH LNG trucks again. The vehicles are used, among other things, for the transport of LNG to Shell filling stations in the Benelux and Germany. Due to the double-walled stainless steel tank, LNG trucks are heavier than diesel trucks with an aluminum tank. However, the advantage of Volvo LNG is that the 700 kg extra weight of an LNG tractor can be compensated within an EU scheme for international transport. As a result, carriers who use a Volvo LNG in international transport do not have to compromise on payload.
“Due to the double-walled stainless steel tank, all LNG trucks are heavier than regular diesel trucks. The fact that a Volvo LNG truck will be compensated for the extra weight of 700 kg is still unknown to many transporters. This weight compensation is a major advantage for us and one of the main reasons for choosing a Volvo LNG truck. As a result, we do not have to compromise on payload ”, explains Hans Mulder, Operations Manager at Schenk Papendrecht.
In addition to a weight advantage and low consumption, the pulling power of the Volvo FH LNG also played a major role in the choice of Volvo Trucks: “We have been driving Volvo's FH LNG since 2018 and drivers are very satisfied with the truck's driving performance. It really drives like a diesel: thanks to a high torque we can achieve a high average speed despite our strict maximum speed. This makes it possible to drive at low revs at cruising speed, which, in combination with the high efficiency of Volvo LNG technology, ensures low consumption. We also find the chassis structure of the Volvo LNG truck ideal. There is enough space left for the construction of a compressor or hydraulic system ”, continues Hans Mulder.
Driving LNG with LNG
Schenk Tanktransport's Volvo's FH LNG do not only run on LNG; they also transport this fuel. “Our LNG trucks mainly drive LNG to Shell filling stations in the Benelux and Germany. In addition to the weight compensation scheme, there is also a Maut benefit in Germany. In terms of business case, LNG is positive for us. CO2-technically we are also making great strides; emissions are already dropping by about 20%. When the share of Bio-LNG increases, the CO2to drop even further. This is also extremely interesting for our customers such as Shell where CO2reduction is at the top of the agenda. They will open a first Bio-LNG location in Amsterdam in the second half of this year. That paves the way for even greater CO2reductions ”, says Hans Mulder.
The recently delivered trucks are part of a series of a total of 25 Volvo FH LNG tractors for Schenk Tanktransport. Schenk also has a number of products specifically for national transport to drive 50 tons of GCW with the lowest possible tare weight Volvo Purchased FH 6 × 2 tractors with mid lift axle. This version has a low weight and despite the extra axle, there is still room for a 155 kg tank that provides sufficient range for this deployment.
Also read: Oegema Transport also uses the Volvo FL Electric truck
