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Decarbonization of road transportation is a complex task to achieve. It is not enough to introduce alternative fuels, companies need to cooperate and share their knowledge and best practices. This is what lies in the foundation of the partnership between Girteka and Chereau. With possibilities of sharing expertise and by implementing the latest advanced trailers’ solutions, both companies can work on reducing their carbon footprint together.
One of the main goals of Girteka is to provide its customers with sustainable and affordable transportation services. Although the obvious solution to the decarbonization of road transport seems to lie in the technology of trucks, there is still potential in the area of refrigerator trailers, a market in which Girteka dominates, by owning almost 8,000 refrigerator trailers in its fleet. With the latest partnership, the company seeks to implement the newest technology solution from Chereau, a refrigerated body manufacturer engaged in energy transition.
The VIP Advantage
The new Chereau trailers are equipped with VIP technology (Vacuum Insulated Panel), which allows gains of about 20% in terms of insulation and cooling-unit fuel consumption for long-distance transport. It also increases the range of refrigerated trailers with battery-powered electric units.
Tests conducted in France by Cemafroid and Chereau show that, in long-distance transport, the refrigeration unit consumption is proportional to the insulation level, allowing significant gains with high-insulating performance vehicles. The tested semi-trailer equipped with a longitudinal and vertical ATD-C rail system obtained a record K coefficient of 0.27 instead of 0.37 with the classic Chereau range.
Chereau Performance range has also the capacity to better maintain the temperature in case of a problem in the cooling unit, for example, in case of fuel failure which is the first cause of temperature disputes. The tested Performance semi-trailer will need 12 hours to go from 0˚ to 5˚ versus 4 hours for the traditional semi-trailer.
The Chereau aerodynamic kit reduces the energy consumption of the tractor and is composed of two elements: AeroTop, which is a 50 mm high roof spoiler that reduces aerodynamic drag and saves up to 0,3L/100 km; and AeroFlap, which is integrated into the rear door template and deployed automatically by opening or closing the doors. For diesel engines, at 80 km/h, the combination of the two technologies offer a 1.1l/100 km fuel saving. The Chereau-developed aerodynamic devices are made of aluminium and operate autonomously.
As Girteka has already implemented solutions that allow to reduce fuel consumption and emissions based on the speed of trucks, and keeping in mind the scale of operations, having even the smallest additional reduction will bring us much closer to the ambitious goal of decarbonization of road transport.
Among the vehicles produced for Girteka, the largest asset-based transportation company in Europe, some will be equipped with aerodynamics and VIP technologies in order to compare fuel consumption and performance with traditional trailers. By utilizing such digital solutions as real-time visibility (RTV) and monitoring of its fleet performance, Girteka will be able to collect relevant data and quickly evaluate all the benefits of investing in aero and VIP insulation.
The Chereau DNA
As for our partner, the DNA of Chereau is to produce premium vehicles designed to last over time. Their products allow more durable operating times and a good total cost of ownership. Vehicles that last longer and have high performance require less energy.
In terms of new energy solutions, Chereau believes that the first solutions to arrive on the market will be battery-electric refrigerated semi-trailers equipped with an e-axle and eventually solar panels.
“We are very proud of this partnership that shows that high-value semi-trailers are also a good choice for major fleets seeking a good TCO, top performances, and more environment friendliness,” says Xavier Wilkie, Chereau Commercial Director.
Girteka is one of the leaders in cold-chain services in Europe and constantly seeks to develop new sustainable solutions for its customers. “Being focused on refrigerated transport solutions across Europe, we are excited to have an opportunity to test new semi-trailers, reduce emissions and provide more sustainable transport services to our customers,” says Simonas Bartkus, Head of Marketing and Communications at Girteka.
Both companies, Chereau and Girteka, see this four year partnership as undoubtedly an opportunity for a lot of experience sharing, which will validate the configuration of tomorrow’s vehicles, more respectful of the environment.
