UK-based business, Dearman, which specialises in low-emission refrigeration, is trialling its technology with retail company, Marks and Spencer (M&S), according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
M&S will reportedly lease a dual compartment Dearman Hubbard transport refrigeration unit (TRU) on a refrigerated semi-trailer operating out of its Hemel Hempstead depot, with a view to rolling out the technology nationwide should the trial prove successful.
The Dearman engine runs on liquid nitrogen, replacing diesel-powered secondary engines used to power TRUs that are used to keep food cold on the road.
As well as reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the trailer unit, the system also offers a significant reduction in nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions.
“Dearman’s impressive liquid nitrogen technology has shown the kind of results it can achieve and we are excited to be partnering with them,” said M&S fleet engineer, Anthony Whitehouse. “Our latest sustainability plan is ambitious and includes bold new science-based target to further improve the efficiency of our operations. Our chilled delivery trucks have a role to play in that and we believe Dearman’s transport refrigeration unit could help us meet our emissions targets.”
The Dearman Hubbard TRU has recently undergone trials on the European mainland with Unilever and had similar trials with Sainsbury’s in 2016.
“We are delighted to be launching a partnership with a real heavyweight on the UK high street,” said Dearman CEO, Scott Mac Meekin. “Marks & Spencer is a trusted brand for the quality of its products and the company is clearly ambitious on the sustainability agenda. It wants to go much further in cutting the carbon dioxide emissions of its chilled deliveries and a Dearman transport refrigeration unit is uniquely placed to achieve that goal.”