A pilot project between chemical logistics company Bertschi Group and its customer Dow Inc. – a material technology company, provides a glimpse into the green potential of combined transport. Bertschi will put Dow’s cargo on rail between Italy and the Netherlands. This is not new. The way that first/last-mile operations will take place is, however, with the two partners deploying HVO-fueled trucks.

The route will connect Betschi’s terminals in Terneuzen, the Netherlands (North Sea Port) and Busto Arsizion in Northern Italy, where Dow’s plant is also located. The chemical logistics company will deploy its own fleet of bio-fuel trucks for this pilot project. Green operations will start in Terneuzen, where cargo will be loaded on the train using HVO-engine shunters. The route will continue via rail for most of its part, and HVO-engine trucks will take over from Busto Arsizio to Dow’s industrial plan.

For Bertschi, this development is a reason to rejoice. The company is a firm supporter of rail logistics. At the same time, considering that the industry it affiliates unavoidably depends on trucking for first-last mile operations, it has been investing in green road transport technologies for some time. Deploying HVO-fueled trucks is thus the result of a long process now bearing the first fruits.

Also read:

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• Swiss subsidies needed to compensate for loss combined transport

• DB Cargo Nederland tests HVO to replace diesel

• Bremerhaven shunting locomotives switched over to HVO

• DB’s locomotives at Munich North’s shunting yard will run on HVO