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The programme aims to bridge the gap between diesel and alternative fuel. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Fleet Advantage has launched at the IAA Transportation 24 Conference its 'EV Path' programme designed to support heavy duty fleet organisations in their transition to electric vehicle (EV) and alternative fuel trucks

Developed to provide a practical solution, the new programme will match the monthly lease payment on the lease of the electric truck, to that of a diesel truck, which represents a more digestible investment level for the fleet. This could represent savings to the fleet of up to US$3,000.00 per truck, per month, in addition to off-loading the bulk of the equipment’s residual risk. 

Fleet Advantage is also planning a rollout later this year of an extension of its fleet services offerings where they will introduce additional consultative services to help fleet clients with a suite of solutions to maximise the acquisition, utilisation, maintenance, and surrender of EV and alternative fuel truck leases.

In an industry benchmark survey conducted in February 2023, 65% of respondents said they were most interested in electric trucks, while 15% cited hydrogen and 25% CNG. 45% of the respondents also noted that the time frame to deploy alternative fuel trucks would be 5-10 years. This past year in a follow up survey it was noted that those numbers were shifting, with 33.3% indicating EV over the next 5-7 years (29.6% saying another 10 years), and 38.5% indicating hydrogen. This timetable for electric truck adoption continues to change, as three years ago the majority (54%) said they didn’t plan to deploy electric trucks for 5-10 years. Also interesting is that the most recent survey shows that roughly 25% of fleets still do not see the value in adopting electric nor hydrogen trucks, respectively. All of this change reinforces the fact that fleets have unique timelines in how they wish to bridge over to alternative fuels.

Empowering fleets for smooth transition

“Adopting electric trucks is not just an environmental mandate but also a significant financial commitment,” said Brian Holland, president and CEO of Fleet Advantage. “Our innovative EV Path programme is yet another pioneering initiative developed by our team, designed to bridge the gap between traditional diesel fuel vehicles and the future of alternative fuel-powered transportation. By offering flexible financing solutions with practicality in mind and fleet services support, we aim to empower fleets to make the transition smoothly and effectively.”

Permanently storing carbon dioxide generally has better sustainability credentials than utilising CO2. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

While covering all aspects and technologies of the CCUS value chain, a new report by IDTechEx titled 'Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) Markets 2025-2045: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players' has interestingly noted how policymakers and key industrial players are focusing more on carbon dioxide storage, increasingly dropping the 'U' (utilisation) from discussions at conferences and expos

The report has found that by 2045, the world will be sequestering 1.6 gigatonnes per annum of CO2 underground, as dedicated geological storage of carbon dioxide will outpace enhanced oil recovery as the end result for CO2 capture. Major oil and gas players such as Shell, Equinor, and Chevron are leveraging decades of subsurface expertise to open-up storage in saline aquifers.

Permanently storing carbon dioxide generally has better sustainability credentials than utilising CO2. This is because permanently sequestering CO2 captured from an industrial process in dedicated underground storage is a net-zero process (or even net-negative for some CO2 sources). In contrast, captured CO2 returns to the atmosphere on short time scales for several CO2 utilisation applications, such as when a fuel synthesised from CO2 is combusted. Storing CO2 is therefore better suited to meeting emission reduction targets.

For industry stakeholders from the African energy market, CCS will be vital in attracting energy investments and eradicating energy poverty from the continent.

Decarbonising oil & gas assets

Fossil fuel infrastructure won’t disappear overnight, but existing assets can be decarbonised. New CCUS enhanced oil recovery projects are still expected in the future because the oil produced by this method has a much lower carbon footprint than typical oil extraction. Alternatively, drop-in replacements to fossil fuels can be made by utilising CO2, such as CO2-derived e-fuels. Such low-carbon fuels are seeing demand from the aviation and maritime sectors, where full electrification remains unfeasible for decarbonisation.

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the Habshan Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage project is one of the largest carbon capture projects that will have the capacity to capture and permanently store 1.5 mn tonnes per annum (mtpa) of carbon dioxide (CO₂) within geological formations deep underground.

 

 

The project could reduce the fleet’s GHG emissions by up to 10%. (Image source: Opsealog)

Offshore data integration and analysis provider, Opsealog, has been awarded a two-year contract with Azule Energy to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its offshore supply vessel (OSV) fleet

Through enhanced data collection, integration and analysis, the project could reduce the fleet’s GHG emissions by up to 10%, according to initial estimates by Opsealog.

The agreement covers 28 OSVs in the first year, expanding to Azule Energy’s full fleet of 33 vessels in 2025. The main objective is to reduce the fleet’s fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, supporting regulatory compliance and Azule Energy’s own environmental commitments.

Opsealog’s e-reporting system Streamlog will fully digitise onboard reporting and deliver real-time vessel tracking for the fleet, which is operated across three oil blocks in Angola. This data will be integrated and analysed through Opsealog’s Marinsights platform to provide in-depth insights that will help boost operational efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and maximise vessel safety and reliability.

By optimising operations, the project will help Azule Energy address challenges such as the frequent need for vessels to move urgently between the different blocks. It will use data-driven insights to develop a cost allocation system per block, tackling the additional costs and emissions associated with vessel scheduling deviations.

Luis Buezas Jiménez, international business manager at Opsealog, said, “This partnership with Azule Energy demonstrates how digitalisation is an essential foundation for progress on a wide range of operational aspects in the offshore sector – including the industry’s chief priorities of safety and sustainability. Through enhanced data collection and integration, teams will be equipped with data-driven insights to immediately improve operational efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. We are proud to embark on this project and support Azule Energy’s ambitions of delivering responsible energy development for the communities of Angola.”