Wilson Kwong, Hactl (L) and Anne Yu, Shell
Source: Hactl
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has entered into a new agreement with fuel supplier Shell Hong Kong to utilize renewable diesel for its ramp equipment and road vehicles. This partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), also includes plans for developing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and ground services equipment at Hactl’s SuperTerminal 1.
The collaboration builds on a pilot program initiated in April of the previous year, as part of an airport-wide initiative led by Airport Authority Hong Kong, to test and evaluate the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for vehicles. The success of this trial has paved the way for the expanded partnership, culminating in the new agreement between Hactl and Shell.
Wilson Kwong, CEO of Hactl, explained that while Shell Renewable Diesel is more expensive than the B5/B7 biodiesel previously used by Hactl, research indicates that it offers a significant reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional petroleum-based diesel. “This reduction is key to helping Hactl meet its sustainability targets. Full adoption of renewable diesel will allow us to cut our Scope 1 GHG emissions by 40%,” Kwong said.
Hactl has emphasized that HVO requires no engine modifications and poses no operational challenges, regardless of seasonal or climate conditions. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Hactl plans to expand the use of HVO across its extensive fleet of 190 ground service vehicles, which include tractors, loaders, conveyor belts, and passenger steps.
However, this initiative is only a temporary solution as Hactl continues to explore and introduce electrically-powered alternatives for its fleet. The company aims to progressively reduce its carbon footprint while advancing toward its long-term environmental goals.
