Biofuels Central

Inland waterway transport CFT, subsidiary of Sogestran group, experimenting with biofuel HVO, and committed to the energy transition with Altens as its partner

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Inland waterway transport CFT, subsidiary of Sogestran group, experimenting with biofuel HVO, and committed to the energy transition with Altens as its partner.

Inland waterways appear to be a mode that is and will remain essential to the ecological and energy transition of freight transport. Its decarbonisation is underway; this will improve its environmental performance.

As the French and European leader in waterway transport, Sogestran is at the forefront of the energy transition and of the decarbonisation of this mode. Since February, the ship operator has been experimenting with Altens’ HVO biofuel.

Carried out under real operating conditions on the Sandre self-propelled vessel, this six-month-long experiment on the Seine in Paris is a first for inland waterway transport in France.

Innovating to make inland waterway transport even more environmentally friendly is a commitment that has guided the strategy of the French family-owned group Sogestran since its creation in 1948.

Steve Labeylie:

This commitment, which is in our DNA, and is a pillar of our CSR approach, was reaffirmed this summer when CFT became a signatory to the Commitments for Green Growth in Inland Waterway Transport in France

“The signatories of this charter have undertaken to experiment with low-emission alternative energies for inland waterway transport”, adds the head of institutional relations at Sogestran.

A collaboration with Altens

It is in this context that Sogestran and its subsidiary Compagnie Fluviale de Transport (CFT) have joined forces with Altens to test its HVO biofuel for six months.

“This test, begun in February, is being conducted under real operating conditions. It involves our Sandre self-propelled vessel, which supplies cement to concrete plants on the banks of the Seine in Paris and sets out from Gennevilliers”.

Within Sogestran’s fleet of 150 vessels, the Sandre is already a very environmentally efficient self-propelled vessel, thanks to its innovative diesel-electric engine.

With a length of 51.2 m and a width of 11.4 m, it has its own unloading capabilities, and has been designed to minimise the amount of space it takes up at a quay. It can load up to 1,000 tonnes of cement per trip, which is the equivalent of 37 lorries!

HVO, a Premium alternative fuel

As part of the experiment, HVO biofuel (standard EN 15940) is being substituted for diesel fuel on board the Sandre.

Etienne Valtel and Mohamed Bennama, the co-founders of Altens, the leading French supplier of a complete range of alternative non-fossil fuels:

HVO is compatible with all diesel engines without any modification. It is renewable and is made from so-called residual raw materials such as used frying oils and animal fats

HVO is a Premium alternative fuel, and is ISCC-certified: this is a standard based on the European Renewable Energy Directive. Compared to diesel, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%, particulate matter by 65%, carbon monoxide by a quarter, and nitrogen oxides by over a third.

This fuel, which is a Premium one in terms of its ecological and technical performance, is miscible with diesel. Above all, it is easy to use for the user, as it is the only renewable fuel that has no impact on engine performance and maintenance.

“These performances will be measured by an independent organisation during the test, which will also rely on the analysis of our professional crews. On the Sandre, the fuel is used for propulsion and to power its on-board handling devices”, explains Steve Labeylie.

High potential

In the Ile-de-France region, Alten’s HVO biofuel is available in Gennevilliers. Altens recently opened a new storage warehouse there, where the construction of a river wharf is planned. The Gennevilliers warehouse is currently the site of an under-construction river quay, which is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2022. This quay will eventually facilitate barge refuelling operations. HVO has been used on the road for many years in several European countries, and has been approved by all engine manufacturers, such as Caterpillar, whose engines power the Sandre.

About Altens

As the leading French supplier of a complete range of non-fossil fuel alternatives for the transport sector, Altens offers a unique service to support transporters and their clients in the energy transition of their logistics, on the basis of flexible, turnkey solutions adapted to each company:

  • HVO: a synthetic biodiesel, certified to be sustainable and made from waste (residual oils or greases) in accordance with the standard EN 15940, compatible with all diesel engines.
  • B100: an agrofuel, compliant with the B100 standard, produced from locally grown and traced rapeseed.
  • ED95: a biofuel produced from wine residues, classified as CRIT’AIR 1.

BioNGV: a biogas obtained from the methanisation of various kinds of organic wastes, classified as CRIT’AIR 1. Altens is involved in the development, financing, and management of compressed biogas stations.

About Sogestran

The Sogestran group is the leading French river shipping company and a key maritime shipping company. It designs tailor-made solutions for its clients in France and abroad.

Oil, chemicals and gas, dry bulk, heavy XXL goods, and military freight are transported all over the world thanks to its own fleet of 200 units. The Compagnie Fluviale de Transport (CFT) manages the Sogestran group’s river transport activities. The multimodal transport and industrial services markets complement this range of activities. Thanks to its experience in the field and its know-how, developed by its Technical Department and based on fundamental human and environmental values, the Group is readying the clean transport of tomorrow. www.sogestran.com

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