There must always be pioneers
The largest order in one go for environmentally friendly trucks in Belgium? That is in the name of Mattheeuws Eric Transport. The company together with its partners invested 2.5 million euros in the first commercial LNG filling station in Belgium and 26 Volvo FM Methane Diesel Trucks. A risk? No. “We ensure the application of new technologies. There must always be pioneers, “says Eric Mattheeuws, CEO of Mattheeuws Eric Transport.
“Mattheeuws Eric Transport consists of two companies, Mattheeuws and Denecker. When we became interested in LNG in March 2012, we partnered with Volvo, Fluxys, Eni and RomacFuels. Together we have invested more than 2.5 million euros in the first commercial LNG filling station and 26 trucks that can run on LNG. We really believe in the product, “says Eric Mattheeuws, CEO of Mattheeuws Eric Transport.
TM: That filling station was desperately needed, because until now you cannot refuel with LNG in Belgium.
Eric Mattheeuws: “That’s right. Our trucks are currently also refueling in the Netherlands. Our LNG station is still under construction, but it will be operational by early summer. RomacFuels, our spin-off, is the gas station operator. She is now building the filling station together with Fluxys, the LNG specialist in Europe. Everyone will be allowed to come and refuel with LNG there. ”
TM: Introducing new technologies should not be self-evident.
Eric Mattheeuws: “Of course we did not just happen overnight. In 2013, we tested a first vehicle, a methane diesel truck was transferred from Sweden to work with us in real-life conditions. Not much later we bought the first truck on LNG. And four weeks later, the order for 25 trucks was placed. ”
TM: That sounds like all the results were extremely positive.
Eric Mattheeuws: “The test was more a confirmation of the theory about the trucks. We actually take care of the application of new technologies. And we also received support from the Enterprise Agency. There must always be pioneers. In addition, the benefits are enormous. LNG is the cleanest fossil fuel, it is no less polluting and you have an autonomy of 1,300 to 1,400 kilometers. Thanks to the duel fuel principle, it is also economically viable. Because we are still obliged to refuel in the Netherlands, there are always about ten trucks of the 26 that still run on diesel. But from the moment our filling station is up and running, we hope to always use LNG. We also try to organize alliances with other petrol stations. Hopefully, by next year our entire fleet will always be able to run on LNG, also for international transport. The advantage is that the trucks will remain active in the meantime and thus earn the 1,500 to 2,000 euros per month that we need to pay off. ”
TM: How long will it take for the investment of 2.5 million euros to be recouped?
Eric Mattheeuws: “In the same situations, the payback period is three to five years. Because we are not only a transporter, but also a gas station operator via RomacFuels, the critical mass is of course very important. We hope to replace an additional 25 trucks with LNG trucks by next year and also build 25 retrofit plants. Another advantage is that the LNG tank itself lasts up to fifty years. So when the truck is written off, you just move the tank to another truck. That is immediately 10,000 euros that you can reuse. ”
TM: Does LNG actually require different safety regulations?
Eric Mattheeuws: “In terms of fire hazard, it is just as safe as diesel. The biggest change is the refueling procedure, the product is -160 ° C, so requires safety glasses and gloves when refueling. ”
source: www.transportmanagement.be