Only fossil-free fuels

The Port of Södertälje was the first port in Sweden to convert to fossil-free fuels. Since 2016, the port uses the environmentally beneficial fuel HVO100 to run its vehicles, machinery and cranes.

– We run our machines completely fossil-free, either on electricity or HVO100, explains Robert Tingvall, managing director of the Port of Södertälje.

HVO100 is a relatively new renewable fuel renowned for its excellent environmental and climate performance. Among other things, HVO100 reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percent.

Taking a chance

– As HVO100 is a type of diesel copy, we did not need to replace our machinery or other equipment so the transition to fossil-free has been relatively simple, says Robert Tingvall, although he does add that, initially, vehicle manufacturers were sceptical about the replacement fuel and reluctant to offer any guarantees, in case the machines failed to cope with the conversion.

HVO stands for hydrotreated vegetable oils, although not all of the raw materials are vegetable. HVO100 means that the fuel is made from 100 percent HVO. The similarity to standard diesel means that this fuel does not require specially adapted vehicles or tank installations, leading to lower conversion costs and quicker commissioning.

– We use 150,000 litres of HVO annually, Robert Tingvall informs us.

Electric machines

In order to further reduce the port’s environmental impact, employees have been trained in energy-efficient driving techniques and use bicycles and electric vehicles in the port area.

– We use green electricity from sun, wind and water. In the near future, some of the electricity we consume will come from our own photovoltaic system, which is currently being installed on the roof of one of our warehouses, explains Robert Tingvall.