The two companies launched a pilot programme led by Airport Authority Hong Kong in April last year to evaluate the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in ramp tractors.
The scheme has been extended and expanded through the newly-signed agreement to fuel ramp equipment and road vehicles with renewable diesel.
The agreement also covers charging infrastructure for electric cars and GSE in SuperTerminal 1.
Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive of Hactl, said: “Shell Renewable Diesel is a little more expensive than the B5/B7 biodiesel that Hactl has been using, but our research confirms it will achieve a dramatic reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional petroleum-based diesel fuel.”
He adds that the full adoption of renewable diesel will help Hactl reduce overall Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.
Another bonus of HVO is that engines do not need to be modified and it does not create operational issues throughout the seasons or climate conditions, said Kwong.
Hactl plans to use HVO across its fleet of 190 GSE units including tractors, loaders, conveyor belts and passenger steps as an interim measure while it tests and introduces electric-powered alternatives.
Anne Yu, Managing Director of Shell Hong Kong, said: “Shell Hong Kong is committed to offering low-carbon energy solutions to our customers in Hong Kong, to help them achieve their decarbonisation ambitions and support the city’s low-carbon transition.”
