DP World has launched a new Low Carbon Truck Programme (LCTP) at its London Gateway and Southampton hubs, marking a UK industry first by giving truck operators access to renewable fuel at no extra cost.
With over 4,000 truck visits daily at its two ports, DP World will support at least 500 vehicles in switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a fuel that delivers up to 85% lower carbon intensity than diesel. Operators will be able to access HVO at the same price as diesel, removing a key financial barrier to adoption.
Running until 2027, the initiative targets hauliers regularly transporting fully laden containers through DP World’s ports. It is designed as a transitional step towards zero-emission electric HGVs.
In partnership with Certas Energy and New Era Fuels, the programme will supply eligible trucks with up to 5,000 litres of HVO per vehicle, per port. Fuel can be delivered in bulk to operator yards or accessed via fuel card at UK refuelling stations.
John Trenchard, Vice President for Sustainable International Supply Chains at DP World, said the scheme could cut more than 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually if widely adopted. “This is an innovative first for the container sector,” he said. “We hope to encourage early adoption as a step towards full electrification.”
The scheme also includes Carbon Literacy Training to help operators integrate low carbon practices across supply chains.
Richard Smith, Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association, welcomed the initiative, noting: “Appropriately sourced HVO offers hauliers a practical interim solution to Net Zero, and DP World’s programme—together with its carbon literacy training—will provide essential support.”
The programme is funded through DP World’s Energy Transition Contribution, levied on all import-laden containers at its UK ports.
