Nuclear Transport Solutions has launched a new design of livery for their Class 68 at the Low Carbon Logistics event in Mossend, Scotland.

Part of COP26, the Low Carbon Logistics event was developed to showcase innovation in the rail freight sector.

The new green design for Direct Rail Services Class 68 No. 68006 showcases the environmental benefits of rail freight and how a diesel locomotive can reduce emissions by using HVO fuel.

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, or HVO, is a replacement for traditional diesel and has been found to be one of the cleanest fuels on the market.

The advanced materials eliminates up to 90% of carbon and nitrogen oxide as well as carbon monoxide emissions.

68006 has also been named Pride of the North as a tribute to the work that DRS do in Northern England and Scotland.

A trial is currently being run using HVO fuel in Class 66s and the Class 68 has joined it in the trial.

Seth Kybird, NTS CEO, said: “We’re launching this new livery as a real visual reminder that rail is the most environmentally friendly way to transport goods and using this fuel its carbon dioxide figures are amazingly low.

“Rail is already 76 per cent less polluting than road and if successful this trial will show that using this type of fuel rail can play a huge part in the UK in achieving net carbon zero.

“We already have our excellent Class 88 bi-mode electric locomotives but this fuel could provide an alternative where the overhead electric wires are not available, which opens up 62 per cent of the network to extremely low CO2 freight.”

Steve Hardy, Director of Environment for the NDA, said: “This trial of a diesel replacement has the potential for a very large reduction in carbon footprint and is an important part of our carbon reduction plans.

“It’s extremely exciting, and the learning from the trial will be shared with all our other business in the NDA group. These trials, which may lead to different ways of working, are vital as part of our route to carbon net zero.”

Seth went on to say: “In the trial we estimate a saving of over 284,203 kg CO2e when compared to diesel fuel. This is a significant saving and represents a huge step towards net carbon zero rail freight using existing locomotives.

“This could revolutionise how we operate and ensure DRS is at the forefront of environmentally friendly transport, completing the cycle of low carbon electricity when transporting spent nuclear fuel, or ensuring supermarket goods are transported with minimal carbon emissions.”

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris added: “This is what building back greener is all about, boosting British business while cutting carbon.

“Rail is one of the most eco-friendly ways to transport goods and this trial helps make it even cleaner, helping us hit our net zero targets on transport.”

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