METRANS: If we do produce CO2, this is offset in development projects 12/04/21

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Source: https://www.railfreight.com/intermodal/2021/04/12/metrans-if-we-do-produce-co2-this-is-offset-in-development-projects/

 

Rail transport is already known as one of the transport modalities with the lowest CO2 emissions, but this can always be lower. Better yet, it can be zero. This is what HHLA and METRANS believe, and for this reason they have developed HHLA Pure. By 2040, the entire group should be climate neutral.

 

METRANS is a subsidiary of the Hamburger Hafen und Logistik (HHLA), responsible for the intermodal hinterland network of the group. Together, they wanted to develop a product that can ensure climate-neutral transport chains from the port into the European hinterland, making an important contribution to lowering transport-related CO2 emissions.

On all routes

The companies are already well on the way towards this ambition. Currently it is possible to operate a CO2-free train routing from and to Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Koper. In the near future, this should be possible for all routes, explains METRANS CEO Peter Kiss

“This all started two years ago with a large campaign. We are one of the larger players, so we wanted to bring something in. The automotive industry is making similar steps, so why not us?” he explains. And he continues explaining how the ambitious goal can be reached.

All is CO2 free

“All container transports can be made CO2 free. We use electric locs on the long distance and the shunting can be done with hybrid locs. We as METRANS are using energy-efficient electric trains and lightweight flat wagons, which can transport more containers with the same train length. This offer enables our customers to make container transport climate-friendly and increases competitiveness at the same time.”

Of course this does not all come easily. Investments need to be made, but the company is willing to do this. For example, it purchased hybrid shunting locomotives. “What you often see is that the transport is CO2 neutral up till the terminal, but shunting is done with a diesel loc. We are trying to make the entire supply chain free of CO2 emissions.”

Offset emissions

“At this point, the company does not yet operate on a complete CO2-free level. We do still produce CO2 in our supply chain. For example, shunting without diesel is still not always possible”, says Kiss. For that reason, it has introduced the concept of ‘offsetting CO2 emissions produced’.

“This means that we compensate for CO2 emissions produced by investing in CO2-neutral projects, such as building windmills in the Amazons. This is approved and monitored by TÜV Nord, and all the projects comply with the highest international standards.”

Right time

“This is the right time to start”, says Kiss. “It is not only that the political will is there. Customers are asking for it as well. They are more and more aware of their impact on the environment, and they rather opt for a CO2-neutral service.”

 

Author: Majorie van Leijen

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