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MOVERS AND SHAKERS IN MELBOURNE
Page 47
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The involvement of major Australian truck manufacturers, equipment suppliers and gas retailers suggests the use of gas as an onroad fuel is finally becoming a serious alternative to diesel.
lveco, Kenworth and Isuzu are all offering ex-factory CNG or LNG vehicles, while Westport Innovations and Clean Air Power are keen to supply conversion hardware.
A reliable supply of gas is essential, and guests at the Melbourne seminar heard EVOL LNG (part of the giant Wesfarmers group) and BOO seeking expressions of interest from transport operators looking to convert. Incentives such as leasing of the refuelling station and pricing agreements valid for up to six years quickly gained the attention of some large fleet operators.
Even smaller transport operators can operate gas-powered 'vehicles. BOCS Alex Dronhoff talked about developments in Tasmania, where an LNG plant and six filling stations are under construction. Seven competing transport companies will share the facilities, united by a need to obtain realistic long-term fuel pricing.
Murray Goulburn, a large dairy co-operative in Victoria, has pioneered the use of LNG-powered vehicles. Over the past six years, 54 of its feet of 150 prime movers have been converted, with fuelling stations built at the Koroit and Leongatha plants.
Colin White from Isuzu Trucks Australia outlined savings made by a current user operating a fleet of its CNG-powered light trucks. bastard Council in New South Wales has been running five Isuzu NPR400s for the past four years and has found the CNG-powered trucks average around half the running costs of similar diesel units.
Isuzu has experience with CNG-powered trucks in Japan and plans to release CNG versions of its popular NLR 200, NPR 300, FSR 700 and FSR 850 models into the Australian market in 2009. An operating range of more than 300km as well as being Euro-5 compliant are two of the features expected.
The use of natural gas for road transport also has environmental benefits. Australian tests show reductions in particulate matter (PM), nitrous oxide and greenhouse gases. The introduction of a carbontrading scheme will highlight these savings.