This activity comprises all tasks and responsibilities to efficiently coordinate and manage the action, its activities and sub-activities and the deliverables and milestones.

An External Advisory Board (EAB) will be established with the objective to meet at least three times during the lifetime of the Action. The EAB will provide the Action coordinator and the consortium with solicited and unsolicited advice on the study approach, the deployment of the pilot, development of the business models and the roll-out strategy.

Outcome

Outcome: A commercial business case on LNG trucks for transporters prepared. A sustainability and commercial business case presented and available to manufacturers/retailers interested in deploying their sustainability agenda through an LNG logistics strategy. Contribution to the European standardisation of LNG fuelling process and development of safety procedures to ensure safe and efficient LNG fuelling throughout Europe provided. Development of an international cooperation on LNG fuel payment card acceptance.

Task 4.1

Task 4.1: The real life trial data will deliver valuable information about the operational capability, TCO, environmental benefits and safety of LNG as an alternative fuel, fueling stations and trucks. This data will be used to create and establish  a more robust and quantified cost-benefit analysis of using longer-term contracting with transport companies vs sustainability measures to achieve overall logistics sustainability targets. 

In addition the data will be used to feed into LNG truck OEM’s technical planning of future vehicle designs, optimised communications messages to inform transport companies about the advantages of using LNG as an alternative fuel and the technology behind.

Task 4.2

Task 4.2: Dissemination of the Action’s results to the national and international stakeholders and all other interested parties. A strategic communication plan will be drafted and the dissemination plan will detail different target groups, the type and content of the messages relevant to each group as well as a view on optimal medium and timings for reaching each target group.

Dissemination of the Action will start soon after the start of the action with the creation of generic materials on the Action itself, website creation and attendance at relevant events.

This will also target to attract more companies interested to operate LNG fuelled trucks on the Actions LNG fueling stations once they are realized, increasing the impact of the Action.

Outcome

Outcome: Study methodology confirmed, 125 new LNG fueled trucks equipped with specialized data recording and collection equipment ‘on the road’ for cross- border heavy freight transport, results collected analysed and validated.

Task 3.1

Task 3.1: Development of detailed approach and work plan for the study including pilot deployment will be delivered in order to answer pre-defined research questions. The study will focus on business case and harmonised EU legislation as part of activity 4.1 and on trucks monitoring, LNG stations monitoring, drivers training and users surveys as part of activity 3.

Task 3.2

Task 3.2: Data will be collected during a full scale trial involving 125 LNG trucks operated by multiple logistic service providers on several different routes (national and international) on the Core Network using existing LNG fueling stations developed through other national a/o European projects. The data will be collected by a truck management system.

Drivers from the participating transport companies will receive training on how to work with LNG fuel before commencing the pilot operations.

Task 3.3

Task 3.3: The analysis and validation of the study and the pilot deployment data will cover both LNG fuelled trucks and fueling stations. The research results will be published so that all stakeholders can assess, compare and discuss the findings of the study. The insights will be based on actual operational data for LNG road transport on European scale.

The practical data will be translated into a final study report which can be shared with fleet owners, fueling station operators and policy makers.

Outcome

5 environmental, construction and operating permits obtained, sites prepared, equipment purchased, LNG infrastructure installed resulting in 5 new LNG pilot fuelling stations at the cross-hairs of 3 European Core Network Corridors (Atlantic, Rhine-Danube and Scandinavian-Mediterranean or Orient-East Med).

Task 2.1

Follow up of task 1.2. Formal application of environmental, construction and operating permits for the LNG fueling stations.

Task 2.2

Preparation of the sites for the LNG fueling stations. Where applicable and required Rolande and GNVERT will pursue the necessary permitting.

Task 2.3

Purchase of equipment based on the design of the LNG fueling stations. ROLANDE AND GNVERT will separately invite selected organisations to submit a quote for the equipment for the LNG fueling stations.

Task 2.4

Construction of the 5 LNG fueling stations will start once permits have been obtained and equipment has been purchased. Civil works will be executed by specialized construction companies. After completion, the suppliers will install the equipment, all under coordination and inspection to ensure it meets the required standards in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.

Outcome

Business case finalised, 5 sites secured, co-financing secured, permitting requirements identified.

Task 1.1

Finalising the business case, securing sites and securing financing. Principle and directional agreements between Unilever, CHEP and the transport companies towards multi-year contracts on the identified Action routes.

Financial commitment from the management of Rolande and GNVERT to invest in 2 LNG fueling stations in Germany and 3 LNG fueling stations in France. Agreement with several independent fuel station companies to build the LNG fueling stations at their existing fueling locations, if applicable.

Task 1.2

Establishing the permitting procedure for each LNG fueling station. Identifying, together with each permitting authority, the steps needed for the authority to start and complete the formal permitting process.

Task 1.3

Design and engineering of the LNG fueling stations by Rolande and GNVERT in-line with all technical requirements and compliance to safety regulations. Given varying permit requirements and geographical differences adjustments will have to be made to the standard design of each fuelling station.