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Hydrogen Combustion Engine Market Increases by 10% as Manufacturers in UK Strives to Achieve Zero Carbon Emission

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Hydrogen Combustion Engine Market Increases by 10% as Manufacturers in UK Strives to Achieve Zero Carbon Emission

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The global hydrogen combustion engine market is projected to have a high-paced CAGR of 9.78% during the forecast period. The current valuation of the hydrogen combustion engine market is US$ 18.22 Bn in 2023. The value of the hydrogen combustion engine market is anticipated to reach a high of US$ 46.31 Bn by the year 2033.

The key aspects pushing the adoption of hydrogen combustion engine is owing to government attempts to promote the use of fuel cell cars, a growth in the demand for fuel cells in automotive and transportation, and an increase in the demand for passenger transportation. Internal combustion engines have long been popular.

Despite this, OEMs are turning their attention to natural gas and hydrogen-based engines because to the rising cost of crude oil, strict emission regulations, fuel supply security, and noise pollution. This is evidently likely to promote the global hydrogen combustion engine.

In addition, an increase in government and other organizational support for the development and commercialization of refueling infrastructure throughout the world is projected to result in the rapid advancement of the global market for hydrogen combustion engines over the next few years.

In addition, the approaching decline in fuel cell costs, brought on by the rising use of creative strategies by fuel producers to lower fuel prices, is anticipated to improve the market’s development prospects in the years to come. Hydrogen combustion engines are gradually evolving as a result of different technical breakthroughs and inventions, allowing them to provide high power outputs while also improving fuel efficiency.

Despite a rise in demand for electric engines and a corresponding decrease in demand for internal combustion engines powered by traditional sources, hydrogen combustion engines are estimated to continue to play an important role in the evolution of the automobile industry. Furthermore, they have the ability to improve in a variety of areas, including thermal efficiency, emissions, and electrification.

The need for research is always being filled by researchers. Because more hydrogen-powered vehicles could be produced and put on the market thanks to the development of low-cost hydrogen energy production technology, hydrogen vehicles became a reality.

Growing scientific study has pushed vehicle manufacturers to build eco-friendly automobiles on the market in order to minimize carbon emissions in the environment. These factors are anticipated to expand the global hydrogen combustion engine market size in the forecast period.

However, hydrogen (in gaseous form) is often produced from water using electrolysis, which involves sending a strong electric current through water to separate oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The electrolysis technique is highly expensive due to the high energy needs. Moreover, the stringent norms and regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions are expected to impede market growth.

Key Takeaways:

During the forecast period, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the global hydrogen combustion engine market. The market in this region is expected to rise due to increasing R&D investment in order to provide cutting-edge solutions and meet end-user demands. Furthermore, the US government’s renewable energy programs are spurring market growth throughout the country.

The hydrogen combustion engine market in Europe is predicted to develop rapidly, particularly in Germany, during the projected period. This is owing to the key players in the nation are actively developing a hydrogen internal combustion engine, pushing the pan-European goal of becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, based on their significant knowledge and years of research experience in this field.

Owing to its ability to transfer protons over the membrane from the anode to the cathode and its importance to the electrochemical process’s effectiveness, the “proton membrane exchange” technology type is expected to hold the greatest revenue, through the forecast period.

As it fits the market niche by serving the country’s middle class with low prices, high-quality amenities, small sizes, and simple financing options, the “commercial vehicles” application type, accounts for a significant share, and is the most preferred type.

Competitive Landscape:

Owing to the existence of both international and local players, the global hydrogen combustion engine market is fragmented. A vast number of manufacturers have a significant market share in their respective regions. Organic developments, such as product releases and approvals, are often highly adopted by key companies. For instance, in April 2021, Toyota announced that it is developing a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine that will be used in sports vehicles and seeks to create a thriving and sustainable mobility society. These factors are estimated to expand the global hydrogen combustion engine market size.

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Portable Fuel Cells Market is Projected to Witness Lucrative Growth Over the Coming Decade

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According to latest research estimates, portable fuel cells market is projected to witness lucrative growth over the coming decade. Demand will witness sharp recovery with optimistic growth outlook in the long-run. Rising prominence of electric vehicles is projected to ascend the growth in demand over the forecast period.

What is Driving Demand for portable Fuel Cells

The rapid surge in demand for unconventional energy sources is one of the primary driving factor for the demand growth.  Increasing concerns headed for zero ecological impact are vital aspects influencing the demand for portable fuel cells. In addition, ease of application and eco-friendly nature also paves the way for growth in consumption.

Being one of the most vibrant sectors of the economy, rapid surge in the growth of the electronic industry has prompted substantial changes in the investments in electronic manufacturing industry and hence fueling significant demand.

Eco-friendly objectives to eliminate emission rates and boosting regulations by the government authorities in developed countries are augmenting the demand for hydrogen power plants during the forecast period. Subsequently, resulting in upsurge in consumption of portable fuel cells over the coming years.

Additional pivotal element for the growth in demand for portable fuel cells is the availability of various fuels that can be implemented in fuel cells. Ethanol, Methanol, butane, hydrogen, and diesel are some of the most common fuels used in portable fuel cells.

The relatively easy acquisition of hydrocarbon fuels is creating positive prospects for demand growth by making them affordable and easier.

Rising Investments in Smart Grids to Augment Portable Fuel Cells Consumption

On accounts of substantial efforts by government authorities for power grid enhancements in order to create easy availability of grid power in previously unreachable areas.

Additionally, the adoption and development of smart cities is compelling the integration of smart grids implemented with IoT based connecting technologies.

These are impelling the use of locally small scale self-sustainable energy generation techniques such as wind, hydropower, solar have become cheaper and viable option for portable fuel cells.

The versatile benefits related to portable fuel cells such as improved storage and energy efficiencies, zero emissions and mobility among other coupled with the rising research & development activities by the manufacturers are paving the way for market growth during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific Market Growth Outlook

Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness robust growth over the coming years, owing to increasing innovations in consumer electronics and prominence of electric vehicles in the countries such as China, Japan, etc.

Europe Market Overview

The European countries such as Germany, UK, Norway, Netherlands, etc. are among few major investors in the fuel cell powered vehicles.

Correspondingly, resulting in increased consumption of portable fuel cells during the forecast years. For instance, 23 European countries formed a collaboration on the HyLAW EU Project, targeted for recognizing and removing legal and administrative obstructions for the deployment of hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen applications.

Furthermore, activities for research and product development regarding utilities and autonomous vehicles in defense sector have propelled in recent few years. The high focus on the using clean energy sources has resulted in increase in the investments in generating electricity using fuel cells.

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The Acceleration to Zero Coalition: Is an ideal way for delivering a Paris-Aligned Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Transition Globally

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The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) recently announced the launch of the Accelerating to Zero (A2Z) Coalition, the next stage in gaining more ambitious goals to a zero-emission vehicle transition compatible with the Paris Agreement. More than 200 signatories from national as well as subnational governments, NGOs, vehicle manufacturers, fleet owners, enterprises, and others pledged to have all new car and van sales become zero emission by 2035 in major markets and so by 2040 globally. This commitment was made public on Solutions Day at COP27.

The A2Z Coalition aims to provide a forum for communication amongst the top zero-emission transportation groups worldwide to aid in the understanding, creation, and execution of ambitious zero-emission mobility policies and strategies. The organization wants to hasten the uptake of zero-emission cars by offering a public platform where signees may coordinate their initiatives and exchange resources with other participants.

Although there is a positive trend towards e-mobility in the road transport industry, this movement must promptly and sharply accelerate to reach the COP27 global climate targets. As a result, the A2Z Coalition represents a potent new strategy for building the momentum as well as implementation support required to make the transition to zero-emission mobility.

Various nations are hence urging the manufacturers to make immediate changes in their present systems of production, manufacturing, and operations of Electric Vehicles to make it a ‘carbon-free’ cycle. Additionally, nations have been focused on implementing new policies and investment plans to beef up the transition towards zero emissions and meet the A2Z goals. In this blog, we will discuss how various industries in the EU are urging for ZEV transitions for a better future, how Canada will push the usage of ZEVs in the coming years and how the maritime industry is also shifting towards ZEVs to reduce carbon emissions. 

Various Cross-Industry Coalitions in the EU urge for a Robust Policy

In order to hasten the shift to zero-emission as well as CO2-neutral mobility, the automotive, electrical, charging infrastructure, and energy generating industries have banded together to push the European Parliament and Council to enact robust, linked legislation. At a cross-industry roundtable in Brussels, the sectors—all major actors in the decarbonization of road transportation—launched their first-ever joint plea to policymakers.

According to this industry coalition, there is an urgent need for greater investment in infrastructure for various automobiles, trucks, vans, and buses powered with alternative energy.  Therefore, in order to achieve its goals, the EU will need to set higher benchmarks for both public and private infrastructure than any of those suggested by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) as well as Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recommendations from the European Commission.

To enable charging and hydrogen refueling stations financially feasible throughout the ramp-up stage of electric cars, public assistance, financial incentives, co-funding, and mandated objectives are required. According to the co-signatories, this is essential to ensuring that a basic infrastructure network is quickly made accessible throughout the EU. For a brief time, public involvement is required, particularly in places where its roll-out is slower.

Infrastructure development should coincide with the shift to zero-emission energy. In fact, making the shift to climate-neutral transportation and mobility will only make sense if done concurrently with the switch to zero-emission energy. The signatories contend that incentives should be provided to promote the use of zero-emission energy within the transportation industry. The aim is to expedite the regulatory processes in order to deploy the required renewable energy producing capacity.

Furthermore, the end user ought to not be neglected, with regulations that provide a customer-centric charging ecology that is reasonable and provides EU-wide roaming, without jeopardizing the contractual flexibility of this market’s operators.

Canada proposes a ZEV sales quota by 2026

The Canadian government has established enforceable sales targets for zero-emission vehicles in line with the objectives of the Zero Coalition. By 2026, a quarter of all brand-new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in the nation must be zero-emission versions, including electric as well as hydrogen fuel cell automobiles.

They are pursuing a regulated sales goal that calls for at least 20 percent of all new vehicles sold by 2026 to have zero emissions, with that number rising to 60 percent by 2030, and then to 100 percent by 2035. The quotas are expected to result in Canadians saving close to CAD 34 billion in energy bills between 2026 and 2050. For three years, the emissions of greenhouse gasses reduction will be equal to all of Ontario’s emissions. Approximately 10% of Canada’s overall greenhouse emissions are now attributed to emissions from passenger vehicles. The Canadian Press reports that the Canadian Environmental Protection Act may impose penalties on importers and producers who don’t satisfy the quotas. Those credits will be used by the nation to monitor automobile sales.

Infrastructure upgrades and incentives should both contribute to a rise in EV adoption. There will be 85,000 public chargers built across the country by 2027 thanks to federal funding. Canada has traditionally provided incentives of up to $5,000 for private persons and up to $10,000 for company purchases of new zero-emission vehicles. Several manufacturers have committed to exclusively producing electric cars (EVs) and/or vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells. GM, as well as Honda, have set 2035 and 2040 as their targets, respectively, for completing the transition. By 2035, certain nations, including New York, California, and the UK, will no longer sell gas-powered cars.

The mandated sales objectives for zero-emission cars will cut emissions by encouraging more drivers to choose electric vehicles. At the moment, more than 50% of Canadians want an EV to be their next automobile, but there are huge waitlists and a limited supply that is going to provinces with established sales requirements like British Quebec and Columbia.  The federal laws will increase supply across all provinces and territories, reducing wait periods for electric and plug-in hybrid automobiles.

Getting to Zero Coalition initiative

Global trade is fueled by shipping, which is essential for the flow of products throughout the globe. Despite being one of the least polluting modes of transportation, the sector is responsible for 2-3% of the world’s emissions. By the year 2050, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) wants to cut shipping emissions by 50% compared to 2008 levels. The maritime sector must take the required actions to decrease its carbon footprint and scale up green production, transportation, and commerce as governments and industry actors work to meet ambitious climate goals.

The Getting to Zero Coalition is a forum that brings together roughly 200 stakeholders from the transportation and energy value chains. Following the announcement of a Call to Action in 2018 by a group of 34 important stakeholders committed to decarbonizing shipping, the Global Maritime Forum, the World Economic Forum, and Friends of Ocean Action established the Coalition in 2019.

By 2030, the Coalition hopes to commercialize low-emission ships traveling on deep-sea shipping routes, backed by the infrastructure required for scalable low-carbon energy sources, including those for generation, storage, distribution, and bunkering. The Coalition has increased its intention to completely decarbonize the industry by 2050, following science-based environmental targets, through a 2022 industry-led Call to Action for Shipping Decarbonization and a recent statement at the Getting to Zero Coalition 2022 Working Group Session. Key goals for 2022–2023 include:

  • Catalyze industrial activity, including the creation of deep-sea green corridors with the help of Getting to Zero member firms, as well as the creation of projects that connect demand and supply.

 

  • Increase the pace of policy making at the IMO and watch as a revised GHG strategy is adopted with a zero-emission objective for 2050 along with the consensus on the steps required to guarantee a fair and equitable sector transformation.

 

Conclusion

With the degrading climatic conditions and their adverse effects, various nations globally are moving towards reducing overall emissions and gaining an alternative power transition at the earliest. This is what has propelled the emergence of COP27. The execution of the Paris Agreement is the primary focus of COP27, and there are high hopes for COP26’s results in terms of the completion of the Paris Rulebook, especially concerning the global carbon market. India has committed to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 and to cut its carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 when compared to 2005 at the COP26 meeting.

India would need USD 160 billion annually to reach the 2030 clean energy objectives, according to projections from the International Energy Agency, while no other country’s energy consumption will rise as much as India’s in the future years. The advantages of advancing zero-emission transportation were stressed at the COP26 summit. Over 100 parties who endorsed the transition signed the Glasgow Declaration on Zero-Emission Cars and Vans (ZEVs). The COP26 statement on the quick transition to 100% ZEVs was also signed by India, which was represented by the NITI Aayog initiative. 

To advance low-carbon infrastructures, the NITI Aayog initiative has been collaborating with the UK government on several projects, including charging infrastructure, e-vehicles, and battery storage. India is the fifth-largest as well as fastest-growing automotive market in the world, offering tremendous opportunities for the adoption of electric vehicles. The transition to ZEVs is well underway, bringing down technological prices and lowering our dependency on foreign fuels. However, as public transportation is the most accessible and necessary form of transportation in India, it might have been wise to first concentrate on lowering its carbon footprint in addition to that of automobiles and vans.

Hence, such a transition requires more investment in the country. The main focus of COP27 would be climate finance and particularly how it ought to be distributed, given the amount of money needed and the difficulty in raising money. India has also requested that the USD 100 billion-a-year guarantee of climate assistance for developing nations be reconsidered, even though the deadline has passed. Since the bulk of CO2 emissions is produced in the US and the European region, wealthier nations would be expected to support climate spending and ensure a seamless transition to ZEVs.

Author Bio

Aditi is the Marketing Head at Future Market Insights (FMI), ESOMAR-certified market research and consulting Market Research Company. The award-winning firm is headquartered in Dubai, with offices in the US, UK, and India. The award-winning firm is headquartered in Dubai, with offices in the US, UK, and India. MarketNgage is the Market Research Subscription Platform from FMI that assists stakeholders in obtaining in-depth research across industries, markets, and niche segments. You can connect with Aditi on LinkedIn.

 

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Grant to Power Port of Long Beach’s Zero Emissions Push

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California gives $2.5 million to fund second phase of Electric Vehicle Blueprint

A multimillion-dollar California Energy Commission Grant will help the Port of Long Beach transition to zero-emissions operations by developing infrastructure plans to support electric vehicles at the nation’s second busiest seaport.

The $2.5 million award aids the second phase of the Port Community Electric Vehicle Blueprint, which the Port created to identify a holistic and strategic approach to electric vehicle planning and implementation, and identify opportunities to ensure the local workforce has the skills and abilities required to support and maintain an electric vehicle-ready community.

Projects covered by the grant include developing a master plan for SSA Marine’s Pier J facility to convert to zero-emissions operations. A similar master plan will be developed to evaluate the infrastructure required to support a fully zero-emissions Port-owned fleet of vehicles and vessels. Other projects include installing chargers at the Port’s Maintenance Facility as well as the infrastructure needed to power future chargers at the Port’s Joint Command and Control Center. Lastly, funds will be used to develop a report in partnership with Long Beach City College to identify workforce skills needed to maintain zero-emissions trucks and infrastructure.

“The Port of Long Beach has forged a new direction for the shipping industry and today, we are on the path to zero-emissions operations by 2030 for cargo-handling equipment and 2035 for trucks servicing the Port,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “I’m confident we will reach that goal, in no small part thanks to partners such as the California Energy Commission.”

“The California Energy Commission is part of our collaborative model that has allowed us to reduce diesel pollution by 90% compared to 2005,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal. “The Electric Vehicle Blueprint identifies the path toward zero emissions and will provide an economical, demonstrated approach to EV planning that other California seaports can replicate.”

The Port of Long Beach will contribute $847,072 matching funds toward the total $3.4 million cost. Learn more about the Port’s efforts to achieve zero emissions by 2035 at www.polb.com/zeroemissions.

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. As the second-busiest container seaport in the United States, the Port handles trade valued at more than $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million trade-related jobs across the nation, including 575,000 in Southern California.

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Cordero Urged Port Authorities to Move Cargo While Striving for Zero Emissions

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Mario Cordero, an international maritime industry leader, Long Beach resident and attorney, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach, California, calls on port authorities to safeguard health of neighboring communities

Seaports have a duty to protect the communities they serve from air pollution associated with goods movement, Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero told a gathering of industry leaders recently at the American Association of Port Authorities Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C.

Speaking in his capacity as the AAPA Board of Directors chairman, Cordero urged port authorities to commit to “environmental social governance” – developing policies to decarbonize and convert cargo-handling and drayage truck fleets to zero emissions.

Cordero emphasized that protecting the health of neighboring communities from harmful emissions due to port operations is a paramount responsibility. Pointing out that as port executives you can make a difference, the only question is whether you will choose to make a difference.

Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal applauded Cordero for amplifying the Port of Long Beach’s Green Port philosophy at the international event.

Neal established the fact that it is possible to have both good jobs and a sustainable environment. Revealing that their diesel particulate emissions are down 90% since 2005, even while cargo has increased more than 20%, because of the landmark Green Port Policy and the Clean Air Action Plan.

On Friday, April 1, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles launched the Clean Truck Fund rate. The rate – $10 per twenty-foot equivalent unit on loaded import and export cargo containers hauled by drayage trucks as they enter or leave container terminals, will be collected from beneficial cargo owners and will help fund and incentivize the changeover to cleaner trucks. Exemptions to the CTF rate will be initially provided for containers hauled by zero-emission trucks and low-nitrogen oxide-emitting trucks. It is expected to generate up to $90 million in the first year.

Learn more about the Port of Long Beach’s environmental initiatives at www.polb.com/environment and the Clean Truck Fund rate here.

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. As the second-busiest container seaport in the United States, the Port handles trade valued at more than $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million trade-related jobs across the nation, including 575,000 in Southern California.

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TECHNOLOGY LEADS TO MEET MODERN CHALLENGES: PART III

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For part three of our tech-focused feature, Global Trade identified industry players who confronted challenges with the help of technological partners. Our case studies are arranged by the categories Global Trade covers on the regular, including ocean carriers, ports, trucking, and warehousing. Read part one here and part two here.

OCEAN CARRIERS

Company: Atlantic Container Lines of Westfield, New Jersey

Challenge: Enhancing operations and market share for refrigerated shipments

Problem Solver: Carrier Transicold of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Solution: PrimeLINE refrigeration units

In an attempt to gain new operational advantages and efficiencies for its refrigerated shipping operations, Atlantic Container Line (ACL) began acquiring 150 new containers equipped with Carrier Transicold PrimeLINE refrigeration units in May. The cube-shaped, 40-foot-high containers, which help preserve and protect food, medicine and vaccine supplies, have been put into service on trade routes between the U.S. and western Europe.

“With its energy-efficient performance, the PrimeLINE refrigeration unit is a perfect complement for our fleet, which includes some of the world’s largest, most fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible roll-on/roll-off containerships,” says Maurizio Di Paolo, Corporate Liner Equipment Department manager, with the Naples, Italy-based Grimaldi Group that includes ACL in its portfolio.

Carrier’s Lynx Fleet digital platform monitors the cold-chain containers, although Di Paolo says that “is only the beginning” when it comes to providing benefits to the shipping line. “We are especially looking forward to the advantages that come with refrigeration unit health analytics and the subsequent efficiencies for our maintenance and repair operations,” he said at the containers’ roll out.

Lynx Fleet includes integrated telematics and a cloud-based architecture to ensure information is always up to date; a data management platform that provides enhanced visibility on the health and status of a fleet’s refrigerated containers, reducing operational costs and maintenance & repair expenses related to conducting new off-line pre-trip inspections; as well as platform accessibility from anywhere via smartphone, tablet or computer, through an interactive user-friendly, digital dashboard. The ACL units will also utilize Carrier’s Micro-Link 5 controller, the first and only one in the industry with wireless communication capability, providing greater memory, processing power and connectivity compared to standard controllers.

“We are pleased to support ACL’s modern fleet with our latest container refrigeration technology, which is designed to improve fleet efficiencies and help control operating costs,” says Kay Henze, Carrier’s account manager.

The deal with ACL was sealed a month after Carrier announced that SeaCube Containers LLC of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, became the first intermodal equipment leasing company to incorporate Lynx Fleet into its fleet, with an initial deployment of 2,000 PrimeLINE units. 

“This is an exciting step forward for SeaCube as we move toward realizing our vision of telematics as a standard within our reefer fleet,” SeaCube CEO Bob Sappio mentioned at the time. “We are confident that the Lynx Fleet offerings will help drive improvements in our own operating metrics and resonate with our customers to help them achieve optimal reefer performance and act on data-driven insights.” 

PORTS

Entity: Port of Los Angeles, California

Challenge: Advancing the port’s ambitious Clean Air Action Plan  

Problem Solvers: Toyota Motor North America of Plano, Texas; Kenworth Truck Co. of Kirkland, Washington; Shell Oil Products US of Houston, Texas, and multiple stakeholders 

Solution: Hydrogen fuel cell electric freight vehicles and stations

North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated $259 billion in trade during 2020 and remained open with all terminals operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The port currently has 18 projects under way aimed at achieving clear air, clean water and sustainability.

Under an $82.5 million Shore-to-Store project, the port has teamed up with Shell, Toyota, Kenworth Truck Co. and several other public and private-sector partners for a 12-month demonstration of zero-emissions Class 8 trucks. The project—which rolls into a larger-scale, multiyear demonstration that is designed to advance the port’s Clean Air Action Plan goals—is designed to assess the operational and technical feasibility of the vehicles in a heavy-duty setting.

Kenworth designed and built the trucks that rely on a fuel cell electric system designed and built by Toyota. Of course, these vehicles need places to refuel, so Shell designed, built and will operate two new high-capacity hydrogen fueling stations in Wilmington, which is 7 miles from the port, and Ontario, which is 60 miles inland. The vehicles’ duty cycles will consist of local pickup and delivery and drayage near the port and short regional haul applications in the Inland Empire. 

“Transporting goods between our port and the Inland Empire is the first leg of this next journey toward a zero-emissions future,” said Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka during a demonstration in June. “This project is a model for developing and commercializing the next generation of clean trucks and cargo-handling equipment for the region and beyond. Just as the air we breathe extends beyond the port’s footprint, so should the clean air and economic benefits we believe this project will yield.”

Further expansion of the project will include five more hydrogen-fueled heavy-duty trucks, two battery-electric yard tractors and two battery-electric forklifts, whose feasibility under the rigorous demands of the Southern California market will be studied by the partnership. They will also measure the reduction of nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

“Shell believes hydrogen offers a promising solution to achieving net-zero emissions both in terms of immediate improvements of local air quality as well as meeting long-term climate goals, especially for heavy-duty vehicles and for long-distance travel,” says Paul Bogers, Shell’s vice president, Hydrogen. “That’s why we are working with truck manufacturers, fleets, governments and others to coordinate hydrogen infrastructure investments in high-traffic freight areas like the Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, the Los Angeles basin and the Inland Empire.”

TRUCKING

Company: Paramount Transportation Logistics Services of Fort Myers, Florida

Challenge: Accelerate their digital freight management initiative

Problem Solver: Trucker Tools of Reston, Virginia

Solution: Smart Capacity real-time load tracking technology

Paramount Transportation Logistics Services (PTLS), which is part of the R+L Global Logistics family of companies, provides comprehensive logistics and transportation management services, including warehousing, distribution, asset-based truckload and LTL services in North America as well as freight forwarding globally. Having embarked on a strategic technology initiative to enhance broker efficiency, improve carrier engagement and expand the provision of real-time shipment information for customers, Paramount performed a detailed examination of companies to consider as a platform partner. Trucker Tools won the pony.

“Trucker Tools checks three principal capability boxes for us,” explains Mark Funk, Paramount’s director of Capacity Procurement. “The first is automated, real-time, GPS-based location tracking, which gives us reliable shipment updates every 15 minutes. Second is predictive freight matching, which automates finding available trucks, and makes it easier for truckers to book with us. By digitizing this process, we also cut the time and cost to cover a load by over 50 percent, increasing the number of loads our team can secure.” 

Trucker Tools’ multi-functional, multi-party mobile driver app and its wide adoption among the truckload community also factored into Paramount’s decision, Funk added. “Carriers are our customers, too,” he noted. “Importantly, we can leverage a common mobile app, familiar to thousands of independent truckload operators and small fleets, to access a much deeper pool of capacity and improve how we do business with them.”  

The Trucker Tools mobile app, which is available for both Android- and Apple-powered smartphones, is provided free of charge to independent truckers and small fleets with 10 or fewer vehicles, which together account for 90 percent of truckload market carriers, according to the company.

“We are excited to welcome Paramount to our growing community of over 300 brokers and 3PLs adopting Trucker Tools as their strategic partner for digital freight management,” says Prasad Gollapalli, founder and chief executive of Trucker Tools. “We truly see ourselves as an integral partner in our customers’ continuous journey to leverage emerging technology, improve how they engage with carriers and provide ever more sophisticated and valuable services to their customers.”

WAREHOUSING

Company: GEODIS of Levallois-Perret, France

Challenge: Improving job safety, comfort and the pool of potential warehouse workers  

Problem Solver: Phantom Auto of Mountain View, California 

Solution: Remotely operated forklift

It takes a lot of thinking to be a multi-dimensional supply chain operations with a direct presence in 67 countries, a global network spanning 120 countries and business rankings of No. 1 in France,  No. 6 in Europe and No. 7 worldwide. And so, it was a thinker at GEODIS who came up the idea of operating warehouse forklifts remotely.

Think about it, the thinker, who is a GEODIS manager, thought: Such an operation would: (1) reduce injuries and increase overall safety in warehouses; (2) lower the number of people physically inside warehouses to enhance worker comfort; (3) create new future-proof remote operator jobs that can be carried out within an office environment; (4) allow the hiring of individuals who may have physical disabilities restricting their use of traditional forklifts, as well as individuals from other historically underrepresented demographics; and (5) allow for recruitment from regions outside of where warehouses are located, including areas of higher unemployment.

Call that a win-win—with a win-win-win on top!

To make this happen, the GEODIS thinker took his idea to a GEODIS think tank that concluded . . . We need help. La première étape (“step one;” finally, my seventh-grade French class pays off) was to find a worthy forklift maker. Deuxième étape (step two; oui-oui!) was to locate the technological know-how to make the contraption work remotely.

For the forklift, GEODIS did not have to look far. Germany’s Linde Material Handling GmbH, a KION Group company that manufactures forklift trucks and warehouse trucks globally, has a French subsidiary called Fenwick-Linde. But for the tech, GEODIS had to look west—waaaaaay west to the U.S. West Coast, where one finds Silicon Valley and Phantom Auto.

The Fenwick forklift combined with Phantom’s secure, network-agnostic and interoperable remote operation software now enables remote workers to “drive” the vehicle, unlocking efficiency and equipment utilization gains. For example, one remote worker can operate multiple forklifts at a number of warehouses at different times of the day, all from one secure, central location. Keep in mind that giant GEODIS has warehouses all over the world.

“Phantom Auto’s technology enables dynamic balancing of workforce allocation, safer warehouses, enhanced worker well-being, and employment opportunities to those who otherwise could not physically drive forklifts,” says Stéphanie Hervé, GEODIS’ chief operating officer, Western Europe, Middle East & Africa. “This innovation will be of benefit to the wider community and indicates the future of logistics operations. We believe that technology should serve people, and that is what this partnership with Phantom Auto illustrates.”

We began this story with market research, so let us conclude with StartUs Insights’ recent report that was based on an analysis of nearly 800 startup businesses and identified a number of Industry 4.0 technological trends. The top 10 are:

artificial intelligence, 16 percent; human augmentation and enhanced reality, 13 percent; edge, fog and cloud computing, 11 percent; network and connectivity, 11 percent; advanced robotics, 10 percent; Internet of Everything, 10 percent; big data and analytics, 9 percent; 3D printing, 8 percent; security, transparency and privacy, 7 percent; and digital twin, 5 percent.

Considering that report for The International Air Cargo Association, TIACA Director General Glyn Hughes noted that each trend StartUs Insights identified affects his members. While an email he recently sent to members is strictly tailored to his industry, his words actually apply to all the companies and problem-solvers cited in this article and beyond.  

“We have all moved on and technology has been leading the way forward and will continue to do so,” Hughes writes. “Future success will be determined by those who identify, embrace and capitalize on new opportunities.

“In that regard, the air cargo industry will also need to embrace these new opportunities. Many of these are already heavily influencing air cargo operational efficiency and a number of new solutions and industry best practices have resulted. When it comes to innovation, digitalization and technological implementation . . . it is very true to say that standing still is actually moving backwards.”

heavy-duty truck
Archives, Global Trade Daily, News, Trucking

Heavy-Duty Trucks Market: Top Key Trends Fostering the Industry Outlook through 2026

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The heavy-duty trucks market size is poised to expand at substantial CAGR during the forecast period. With the incorporation of advanced technologies including IoT, AI, smart navigation systems, and accident prevention technologies, the heavy-duty trucks industry worldwide is sure to undergo expansion. Focus on emission reduction, environmental sustainability, and efficient engines is expected to drive the demand for these trucks over the forthcoming years.

The following ten major factors have been observed across the heavy-duty trucks industry outlook:

Government investments in infrastructural activities in the Asia Pacific

With the thriving construction and real estate sector of countries such as India, South Korea, and China, heavy-duty trucks are expected to see a greater deployment rate in the next few years. By 2026, the Asia Pacific market share should have gained substantially from the numerous government investments and initiatives toward the promotion of construction activities in the region.

This includes the allotment of a massive government expenditure toward digitalization, integration of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), 5G networks, and intercity transportation networks.

Scrappage policy to boost India’s expansion

As part of the focus on economic recovery, the Indian government has been intending to incentivize heavy-duty truck owners to purchase new heavy-duty trucks and other commercial vehicles, discouraging usage of old, polluting ones via its new scrappage policy in Budget 2021.

The move will not only ensure lower pollution rates but also encourage the advancement of the heavy-trucks segment of the commercial vehicle market, which has been witnessing a decline in the past two years across the nation. The Indian market is likely to gain considerable revenue, thanks to the proposal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to provide new heavy-duty trucks with a discount of road tax as well as a waiver of the registration fee.

Growing demand for diesel heavy-duty trucks

The diesel engine segment of the APAC heavy-duty trucks market is expected to witness a significant expansion through the projected timeline, by credit to the lower fuel consumption alongside the higher efficiency of these engines when compared with gasoline trucks. Integration with compression-ignition of these trucks ensures their fuel efficiency. The lower costs and easy availability of diesel are likely to boost the demand for diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks in the upcoming years across APAC.

Focus on product launches across the Asia Pacific

Several industry leaders in the APAC heavy-duty trucks industry have been seeking to expand their presence through product launches. For instance, in June 2020, Mahindra introduced its Blazo X, a commercial truck with optimized fuel efficiency, across India. Similarly, in January 2021, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) launched its new heavy-duty specialized refrigerated truck for safely and efficiently transporting COVID-19 vaccines throughout India.

U.S. auto sector to flesh out higher gains

The heavy-duty trucks market in the U.S. has been exhibiting growth due to higher demand for transportation of cargo and goods, generating more revenue. The American Trucking Association (ATA) findings reveal that over 71% of the freight tonnage across the U.S. is transported using trucks. The thriving cross-border trade between the U.S. and neighboring countries is expected to boost the North American heavy-duty trucks market size.

Integration with ADAS technologies in North America

With technologically advanced heavy-duty trucks being developed by the leading manufacturers across the region, the market in North America is sure to soar. The focus on driver assistance and automation technologies has been a major trend defining the market’s progress. Recently, heavy-duty truck manufacturers have been prioritizing accident prevention and blind-spot monitoring through the adoption of ADAS systems in their product offerings.

Expanding demand for 4×2 axle heavy-duty trucks in Europe

Big trucks with multiple axles offer a better driving experience than single axle trucks. The demand for these vehicles has been spiraling across Europe’s heavy-duty trucks market. There is a growing utilization of 4×2 axle heavy-duty trucks, primarily triggered by the stringent regulatory policies of the European Commission. The EU has enforced permissible weight carriage as per the axle count of heavy-duty trucks.

300-400 horsepower trucks to gain traction across Europe

Owing to the advantages of 300-400 horsepower trucks, the demand for these vehicles has been witnessing an uptick. These trucks feature superior fuel efficiency alongside a lower engine weight. The segment is expected to surge at a high CAGR through the forecast years, due to their comparatively lower costs and enhanced abilities to haul heavy loads.

Hefty penalties for non-compliance with EU standards

Numerous heavy-duty truck manufacturers in Europe have been investing in the integration of innovative technologies aiming at achieving the zero-emission target from 2025 onward, in order to avoid payment of hefty penalties for non-compliance with EU standards. Recently, the EU has announced the adoption of carbon-neutrality targets and standards for heavy-duty trucks.

These include a 15% reduction from 2025, which will augment to 30% by 2030, attaining zero emissions by 2050. The implementation of such regulatory frameworks is certain to flesh out more demand for electrified trucks across the European region.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports

Port-Side Energy Debate: Propane vs. Electric

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Ports and terminals across the country are looking for opportunities to streamline their operation, reduce their environmental impact, and increase efficiency, which leads to a common question: What alternative energy keeps ports productive while cutting emissions?

Both propane and electric solutions offer certain operational benefits. For example, electric equipment produces zero emissions during operation and offers reliable performance when handling lighter loads. Propane equipment, on the other hand, is popular for its nonstop power, resiliency, and versatility to handle loads of all sizes.

It’s important to consider which energy source can help you get the most out of your workday and your equipment. Propane-powered equipment can help ports maximize efficiency, while still allowing port crews to be proud stewards of the environment. And because propane is a primary energy source and electricity is a secondary energy source, it takes more energy to produce electricity, impacting its cleanliness, efficiency, and cost.

A transparent look at site-to-source emissions

As ports and terminals seeking reduced emissions and better air quality flee from traditional fuels, like gasoline and diesel, many have a tendency to adopt an electrify-everything mindset — but a low-emissions future doesn’t need to be an electric-only one.

Propane presents another alternative to traditional diesel-powered equipment — and with a more transparent emissions profile than electricity. Many material handling professionals I speak to are surprised to learn that propane is actually cleaner than electric when you take site-to-source emissions into account.

While it’s true electric-powered equipment and vehicles produce zero emissions during operation, it’s full emissions profile and impact is often overlooked, including emissions produced in the creation and transmission of electric batteries. Additionally, you have to consider the emissions produced at coal-fired plants where electricity is generated, as well as the emissions during transportation to the port. And because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers electric batteries a hazardous material, you can’t simply dispose of them without severely impacting the environment. Instead, they have specific handling and disposal regulations attached.

Propane, on the other hand, is an approved clean alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act of 1990 and, according to data from the Propane Education & Research Council, using propane produces 43 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S. grid

Additionally, renewable propane is an emerging energy source that will be able to offer clean, low-emissions operations. Renewable propane is a byproduct of the renewable diesel and jet fuel production process, which converts plant and vegetable oils, waste greases, and animal fat into energy. Because it’s produced from renewable, raw materials, renewable propane is even cleaner than conventional propane — and far cleaner than other energy sources. And considering its chemical structure and physical properties are the same as traditional propane, renewable propane can be used for all the same applications.

Unmatched performance for maximum productivity

We all know that crews working port-side don’t have time to waste during the workday. According to IHS Markit’s Global Trade Atlas (GTA) Forecasting, North American seaports handled 2.34 billion metric tons of goods, valued at $2.53 trillion. In order to keep pace with the demanding workload and efficiently perform heavy-duty tasks, crews need powerful, versatile equipment.

Battery-powered forklifts and electric vehicles can be a compelling solution when handling lighter tasks, but performance in a port setting is really where propane sets itself apart. Propane offers the versatility to handle virtually every workload size and most notably, dominates the middle and top weight classes of forklifts with 90 percent of Class 4 and 5 forklifts being powered by propane. This means you can look to propane for a one-fuel solution, plus you won’t have to schedule downtime for recharging, like with electric.

Reliability when you need it most

Port cities are historic, which often means they’re relying on much older energy grids. But because of their relentless workload, it’s important for port operations to be as independent and autonomous with their energy source as possible. Fortunately, propane is a dependable, resilient energy source that can be stored on-site so it’s always there when you need it.

To learn more about the benefits of port-side propane equipment, visit Propane.com/Ports.

____________________________________________________________

Matt McDonald is the director of off-road business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. He can be reached at matt.mcdonald@propane.com.

Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

Coalition For Clean Air Recognizes TTSI for Sustainable Initiatives

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The Coalition For Clean Air awarded what is known as the highest award focusing on air quality initiatives to Total Transportation Services, Inc. (TTSI) during the 28th annual Clean Air Awards program. TTSI is a Southern California-based logistics leader specializing in distributing imports throughout North America. TTSI President Victor La Rosa was part of the recognition for spearheading efforts in creating a sustainable company culture and operations, specifically related diesel truck fleets.

“When we committed to the zero-emission transportation pathway, all the technology companies who are manufacturing in the alternative fuels sector sought us out, said Vic La Rosa. “At TTSI, we’ve all learned about alternative fuel technologies, sustainability, and why reducing emissions from diesel matters. We are committed to the environment. We have a Director of Compliance and Sustainability, which has been very fruitful for TTSI, as they’ve been able to focus on what new technologies are emerging that we should incorporate.”

The annual Coalition for Clean Air evaluates and identifies leaders promoting environmental awareness and sustainable initiatives throughout California. TTSI’s focus on clean technology in trucking and supply chain industries is attributed for this year’s recognition, adding to previous recognition from the EPA, the California Air Resources Board and many  Congressional members.

“This year’s California Air Quality Awards Honoree, Vic La Rosa, founded TTSI in 1986, to create a customer-focused business that makes a difference in the trucking industry. TTSI distinguished itself early on by its commitment to sustainable practices and by fostering a company-wide awareness of the urgency to reduce diesel emissions. Vic has tested and put in operation every single type of heavy-duty truck available and has set himself the ambitious goal of converting his entire fleet to zero or near-zero-emission vehicles by 2020,” said the Coalition for Clean Air.

“Vic La Rosa understands clearly that the market is dominated by outdated diesel vehicles and feels there is room for all available clean technologies like renewable natural gas, hydrogen, battery or fuel cell technology,” said Joe Lyou, President & CEO, Coalition for Clean Air and a board member at the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “Like us, Vic hopes that the technology providers will come together to remove diesel trucks from California roads so that we can start making progress toward a clean air future! We’re going to clean up the trucks that use the ports, rail yards and warehouses and Vic is the guy who’s making that happen.”

Source: EIN News

Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

BYD to Fulfill Order for 40 Zero-Emissions Buses

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Build Your Dreams (BYD) continues supporting sustainable public transportation options as it prepares to fulfill an order of 40 of its emissions-free buses for the Anaheim Transportation Network. Half of the order consists of BYD’s 40-foot BYD K9M in addition to 30-foot BYD K7M and the 60-foot K11M for service at the Anaheim Resort™.

“We’ve been operating four of BYD’s 40-foot K9Ms on our routes over the past two years, and based on their performance, we are confident in BYD’s quality product and their support of our efforts to electrify our fleet,” ATN Executive Director Diana Kotler said in response to the news. “These new buses will provide ATN a 57 percent zero-emission fleet by 2020.”

The Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) is a nonprofit
transportation management association with a focus on zero-emissions and sustainable transportation options in the Anaheim Resort regions. The innovative and environmentally-friendly BYD fleet additions bring a quieter, cleaner option for the 9.5 million+ residents, visitors, and employees who rely on the Anaheim Resort Transit each year.

“Residents and visitors to the Anaheim area will enjoy the benefits of a quieter ride, a cleaner environment and the reliability of zero emission buses manufactured by BYD,” Hill said in the release. “We’re proud to help ATN reduce the region’s carbon footprint.”

Source: BYD