Vilnius, Lithuania: Logistics provider Girteka, which operates almost 8,000 reefers, is acquiring Chereau refrigerated trailers to reduce its carbon footprint and help make the transition to zero carbon operation.
It’s part of a four year partnership to evaluate new technologies on refrigerated trailers.
Chereau’s vacuum insulated panels provide some 20% better insulation thus cut fridge fuel consumption. A Chereau reefer with a longitudinal and vertical ATD-C rail system obtained a K coefficient of 0.27 instead of 0.37 with the standard Chereau range. Chereau’s trailers can also maintain temperatures for longer without refrigeration. In tests the Performance trailer took 12 hours to go from 0˚ to 5˚ versus 4 hours for the traditional 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 80km/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.
Girteka will use telematics to gain real-time visibility and monitor its fleet performance.
Girteka will be able to collect relevant data and quickly evaluate all the benefits of investing in aero and VIP insulation.
In terms of new energy solutions, Chereau believes that the first solutions to arrive on the market will be battery-electric refrigerated trailers with an e-axle and eventually solar panels.
“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, Girteka.
