International:
New natural gas refueling facility opens in South Africa’s largest city
Emerging domestic natural gas and helium producer Renergen has completed the commissioning of its second CNG filling station in Johannesburg, South Africa. Starting this month, the new facility will refuel Black Knight Logistics’ fleet, comprised of approximately 15 natural gas trucks.
With the collaboration of Babcock Transport Solutions (the sole importer in Southern Africa for DAF Trucks), Black Knight has converted its vehicle fleet to run on a combination of CNG and diesel simultaneously, as part of its transition to more sustainable fuels. These dual fuel vehicles have reduced running costs and substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to vehicles running on diesel alone.
“The new CNG filling station will significantly increase the current pilot phase revenues, and will realize our vision of supplying clean and sustainable energy into the logistics sector through the use of technology that is readily available,” said Stefano Marani, CEO of Renergen. “As a logistics company, delivering on sustainability targets is now easily attainable and companies can gain the dual benefit of reducing costs and emissions. Enormous credit must be given to Black Knight who have taken the first step of purchasing the very first commercial fleet of natural gas trucks in the South African market.”
Jacques D’ymant, CEO of Black Knight, also commented: “To be part of this gas project has been a great opportunity for us. In developing our dual fuel fleet with the intention of later migrating to LNG, we will be first to market and a step closer to a greener future. Our customers will also gain a competitive advantage in the industry, by benefiting from the cost savings achieved through the use of natural gas.”
Moreover, Babcock is tackling carbon emissions and exploring alternative and more efficient fuel sources by bringing CNG DAF Trucks to the southern African market, while maintaining the vehicles’ full warranty, even when using dual fuel technology. Babcock is the first to offer fully supported natural gas DAF vehicles to the long-haulage and regional transport segments.
“We have had a number of enquiries about the possibility of dual fuel vehicles and we are excited to announce that the first handful of DAF test trucks capable of CNG conversion will soon be ready for the South African regional transportation sector. The dual fuel trucks will be capable of using CNG or LNG, with minor engine modifications allowing the DAF Trucks to alternate between natural gas and conventional fuel,” added Mark Gavin, Sales Director Babcock Transport Solutions.