Hatfield, UK: Ocado Logistics is using Titan solar power refrigeration on its double-deck trailers.
Marshall Fleet Solutions is the sole supplier of the Titan system which in Ocado’s case is a first on a double-deck trailer. The 4.98m high trailer has an Advancer A400 fridge Titan taking power from solar panel generated electricity stored in lithium batteries.
“As part of our Ocado’s commitment to sustainability we have a goal to bring our operations to net zero by 2035,” Graham Thomas, fleet operations manager – truck, Ocado, says.
“With a fleet including 300 trailers of which 245 are temperature-controlled, for some time we have been looking towards alternative solutions to power trailer fridges, at one point looking at developing our own solution. On learning of Titan and the success of other customer trials, it seemed like a viable add on solution, supplied and supported by a known partner.”
The relationship between Ocado and Marshall Fleet Solutions dates back to the early 2000s when Ocado were a fledgling start up, initially primarily as a refrigeration equipment supplier. However in 2017 Ocado switched the repair and maintenance of its entire Thermo King refrigeration fleet to Marshall Fleet Solutions.
The Titan system is capable of providing solar power to all makes of on-board refrigeration, tail lifts and other vehicle-mounted electrically powered applications It can be retrofitting to existing vehicles and means fleets can reach zero carbon goals overnight, Marshalls says.
“Because of the nature of our trunking operation and the temperature regimes we use, there is in theory no reason why diesel can’t be eliminated completely and Titan has the potential to be a key contributor to this goal. In preparation we’re building all our future trailers to be capable of taking Titan as a retrofit,” Thomas says.
“It’s so pleasing to see how the partnership between our two companies is continuing to grow and to see Ocado take a leading position by incorporating Titan into its double deck fleet this year,” said Mark Howell, managing director, Marshall Fleet Solutions.
“The successful use of solar powered refrigerated trailers within the Ocado operation will have a significantly positive impact towards delivering their sustainability goals and we are delighted to be part of their journey to Net Zero.”
