P&O Ferrymasters is a leading pan-European, end-to-end multimodal transport and logistics company, actively exploring alternative fuel types and transport optimisation tools to reduce the environmental footprint of its operations.
As part of this commitment, refurbishing the fleet of trailers leased from TIP Group—some of which have been in service since 2015—has become a priority. The initiative aims to drastically cut CO2 emissions while enhancing sustainability, reliability and performance across their logistics operations.
P&O Ferrymasters recognise the responsibility they hold in reducing the environmental impact of their transport operations.
“From transitioning to multimodal transport to exploring alternative fuels, sustainability is integral to every aspect of our business strategy,” said COO Logistics & Landside, Mike Shannon. “This trailer refurbishment project represents a proactive step in our mission to reduce CO2 emissions and promote a circular economy by extending the lifespan of our assets.”
The solution
The P&O Ferrymasters’ collaboration with TIP Group to refurbish 304 trailers is projected to prevent the release of approximately 1,732.8 tonnes of CO2. The initiative not only aligned with P&O Ferrymasters’ sustainability goals, but also improved operational efficiency and optimised asset utilisation.
“Not only has this improved our environmental impact, but the performance and reliability of our refurbished trailers have been exceptional,” said Shannon. “With the support of TIP Group’s expertise, these assets meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency, ensuring we continue to deliver uninterrupted services across Europe.”
According to TIP Group’s Global Maintenance and Development Director, Jan van Vugt, many clients are facing challenges related to maintaining the reliability of their fleets while keeping costs under control, while larger customers are increasingly focused on reducing their carbon footprint as part of their broader ESG strategies.
“One of the key challenges is how to keep trailers operationally efficient without the financial and environmental cost of constantly replacing them,” van Vugt said. “This is where refurbishment really makes a difference. It’s not only about keeping the trailers looking good, but also about ensuring they remain roadworthy and dependable, which is crucial for maintaining an uninterrupted workflow.”
Strategic refurbishment
P&O Ferrymasters’ refurbishment included a mix of optical and technical updates, tailored to extend trailer life, without the full costs associated with new acquisitions. The project, which involved comprehensive mechanical updates as well as aesthetic improvements, took approximately seven months.
“Refurbishment is about smarter spending and sustainability—trailer lifetime extension, cutting costs, and reducing emissions, all while keeping your fleet performing at its best,” van Vugt said. “With P&O Ferrymasters, the refurbishment process was not just about cosmetic changes but also about ensuring that trailers were equipped with the necessary upgrades to meet operational and regulatory standards.”
TIP Group’s refurbishment services
TIP Group’s refurbishment services can be tailored based on the condition of the trailer and client objectives. There are three types of refurbishments:
Cosmetics upgrades: This involves refreshing the trailer’s exterior and branding and can include new curtains, paintwork, reflective tape and signage. This helps maintain the professional appearance of the fleet, which is often important for clients looking to maintain their brand image.
Technical refurbishment: Extending beyond aesthetics, this focuses on key mechanical and operational components, to ensure the trailer remains reliable and roadworthy. It can include axle replacements, suspension upgrades and brake system updates—crucial aspects for keeping the fleet operational without unplanned downtime.
Full overhaul: The most extensive of the three options, a full overhaul replaces all critical components, including axles, brake systems and even flooring. This process essentially brings a trailer to a “like-new” condition, ready for another lifecycle of use, which could last up to eight to ten years. This approach is ideal for fleet owners looking to maximise the lifespan of their assets and drastically reduce maintenance requirements.
Throughout the refurbishment process, TIP offered trailer replacements to P&O Ferrymasters, minimising downtime and ensuring that the operations remained uninterrupted.
“The team brought expertise and dedication to the refurbishment process, keeping us informed and ensuring replacement trailers were available whenever needed,” Shannon said. “This minimised downtime and allowed us to extend our fleet’s lifespan without compromising on quality or service.”
Specialised refurbishment
TIP Group’s refurbishment services go beyond standard curtainsiders, encompassing specialised equipment such as tankers, as well.
According to Shannon, TIP often deal with tankers as the tank barrel can be the most expensive part but can last for up to 20 years.
“In these cases, we replace the running gear, paint, and check all the valves and seals, ensuring the tank is like new again,” he explained. “For special haulage trailers, some of them have a specific license attached — licences that can’t be obtained anymore. In these cases, refurbishment can be more expensive than buying a new trailer because keeping the trailer with the license is critical for operations.”
Replacing critical components while keeping the original tank or specialised features intact not only ensures continued roadworthiness, but also supports sustainability by reusing major parts rather than starting from scratch.