BOC, the UK's largest supplier of compressed and liquefied gases, is pleased to announce that one of its key accounts, Asda, is opening up its Avonmouth liquefied natural gas (LNG) station to third party use, adding to the UK network of LNG stations available to heavy truck operators with LNG fleets. BOC, a member of The Linde Group, announced the news during Multimodal 2015, the three-day exhibition and seminar event at the NEC in Birmingham on 28-30 April 2015. The company is also showcasing its recently launched mobile LNG refueller on Stand 1142.

The new dedicated dual fuel LNG refuelling station at Asda Logistics Services was opened last year at the chill distribution centre in Avonmouth, near Bristol. The station incorporates the latest ‘zero loss' refuelling technology, developed by BOC, which uses cryogenic cooling to ‘temperature-condition' the fuel just prior to dispensing.

BOC's LNG refuelling tanker sports its new livery design at Asda's chill distribution centre in Avonmouth
The refuelling station supports the UK supermarket chain's fleet of 52 dual fuel Volvo trucks at the site and is the latest development in Asda's transport sustainability strategy, which includes a target to reduce emissions from its transport fleet by 60 per cent (between 2005 and 2015). The depot at Avonmouth features a range of carbon and energy efficiency initiatives, including rainwater harvesting, combined heat and power, occupier lighting and reducing its CO2 emissions - the latter in line with the distribution team's own mantra calling for 'fewer and friendlier miles'.

Stuart Milligan for Asda commented: "We have been really fortunate to be in a position where we are working with companies such as BOC and Volvo; using new technology to both reduce costs and our carbon footprint. We have a fantastic facility from BOC and it would be great to use it to support a wider LNG network."

Dual fuel is an innovative technology that allows natural gas to be used in conjunction with diesel, reducing the total consumption of diesel and cutting CO2 emissions. LNG typically accounts for up to 60 per cent of total fuel consumption for a dual-fuel vehicle. Diesel produces around 2.6 kg of CO2 for every litre burned, whereas LNG when used with diesel in a dual fuel vehicle typically reduces CO2 emissions between 10 and 14 per cent.

Mark Lowe LNG Business Manager, BOC, said: "BOC is proud to be working with Asda as a partner on this important, environmentally friendly alternative to diesel. By working closely with Asda and Volvo, BOC has been able to deliver a consistently high quality refuelling service and our partnership demonstrates BOC's long-term commitment to play an active part in the transition to low-carbon transport."