Dublin Express has become the first passenger transport operator in Ireland to transition its fleet of coaches from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), an initiative launched at Dublin Airport by Transport Minister James Lawless TD.
The company says the initiative marks a significant step in decarbonising travel between Dublin city centre and Dublin Airport, and will see it replace over 80,000 litres of diesel each month with the more environmentally friendly alternative. Derived from used cooking oil, HVO reduces CO2 emissions by 90% compared to diesel, with one coach running on diesel producing the same emissions as 12 coaches operating on HVO.
According to Certa Ireland, which provides the HVO fuel to Dublin Express, 20,000 litres of diesel per week emits approximately 50,241kg of CO2, and the switch to HVO will save 2,351 tonnes of CO2 per year.
General Manager of Dublin Express Rory Fitzgerald commented: “The shift to HVO is a real game-changer for Dublin Express, putting the wheels in motion for the decarbonisation of mass passenger transport.
We’re proud to be one of the first coach operators in Ireland to be leading the way in reducing carbon emissions and doing our bit for the environment.
“Dublin Express is on track to carry over 2 million passengers between its Dublin city routes and Dublin Airport this year, so the environmental benefits of HVO are profound. As we continue to expand our services and support our partners to meet their sustainability goals, we are committed to driving modal shift, encouraging passengers to ditch their cars and switch to more environmentally friendly ways to travel.”
