UK Ports and Docks Turning to HVO and Eco Hydraulic Oils In recent years, the UK’s maritime industry has begun a significant transformation in its approach to environmental sustainability. As part of this evolution, many ports and dock operators across the United Kingdom are moving away from traditional fossil fuels and mineralbased lubricants in favour of HVO fuel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and eco-friendly hydraulic oils. This transition is not just a nod to global climate goals — it’s a practical and forward-thinking response to operational demands, environmental responsibility, and tightening government regulations. This article delves into why HVO and eco hydraulic oils are gaining traction in UK ports, the advantages they offer, and what their widespread adoption means for the future of British maritime logistics.
The Green Push in UK Maritime Logistics Ports play a critical role in the UK’s import and export economy. However, they are also major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions due to the heavy-duty equipment, cargo handling vehicles, and auxiliary systems that rely heavily on diesel engines and industrial lubricants.
Under pressure from initiatives like the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Plan, the Net Zero 2050 Strategy, and growing ESG obligations from private stakeholders, ports are now seeking greener alternatives. This urgency is reflected in how quickly leading ports are incorporating low-emission fuel and fluid options into their operations.
HVO Fuel: A Practical, Drop-in Solution for Cleaner Energy HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is a second-generation biodiesel that stands apart from older FAME-based alternatives. Derived from waste oils, animal fats, and other renewable sources, it undergoes hydrogenation to produce a clean, stable, highperformance fuel. Why Ports Are Choosing HVO: 1. Drastic Carbon Emission Cuts One of HVO’s standout benefits is its ability to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. For ports managing large fleets of diesel-powered vehicles and machinery, this offers a substantial improvement in their carbon reporting. 2. Engine Compatibility and Convenience HVO can be used as a direct replacement for regular diesel — no modifications needed. This means existing engines, generators, and loading machinery can continue operating seamlessly, which is a huge win for port logistics.
3. Enhanced Air Quality HVO dramatically reduces the emission of particulates, NOx, and other harmful gases. For busy working environments like ports, this translates to better air quality for workers and nearby communities. 4. Cold Weather Reliability With a higher cetane number and improved cold-weather performance, HVO is particularly suitable for UK coastal conditions where machinery operates in all seasons. Examples of Adoption:
ABP (Associated British Ports) has rolled out HVO in multiple locations, including Southampton and Hull, aligning with its goal to become net zero by 2040.
Port of Tyne is powering its port equipment and logistics fleet with HVO, significantly cutting down its carbon footprint and leading by example in the UK maritime sector.
Eco Hydraulic Oils: Minimising Marine Pollution with Smarter Lubricants Traditional hydraulic fluids, though essential for the operation of cranes, straddle carriers, and lifts, pose a real risk to the marine environment if leaked. Even small spills of mineral-based oil can be disastrous for aquatic life. That’s where eco hydraulic oils come into play.
These environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) are designed to provide top-tier performance while being biodegradable, nontoxic, and sustainable. Key Benefits for UK Port Machinery: 1. Biodegradable and Non-Toxic Many eco hydraulic oils degrade by over 60% within 28 days and meet international standards like OECD 301 for aquatic toxicity. This ensures any accidental spill or leak has minimal environmental consequences. 2. Improved Operational Efficiency These oils offer better thermal and oxidation stability, which helps reduce breakdowns and maintenance costs — an essential factor for 24/7 port operations. 3. Longer Equipment Life Eco oils often come with enhanced lubrication properties, reducing wear and tear on hydraulic components and extending the service life of expensive machinery. 4. Regulatory Compliance Ports near environmentally sensitive areas, such as estuaries or marine reserves, are often required to use lubricants that meet ISO 15380 or similar standards.
UK Ports Leading the Way:
Port of London Authority (PLA) has been trialling and promoting biodegradable hydraulic oils in all its river-based vessels and quay equipment.
Bristol Port reported significant benefits from switching to synthetic eco oils in cranes and hydraulic lifts, including reduced maintenance and improved environmental reporting.
Strategic and Environmental Impact The benefits of HVO and eco oils extend far beyond environmental optics:
Operational Resilience: Cleaner fuels and longer-lasting fluids reduce downtime and unexpected repairs.
Regulatory Alignment: As emission standards become more stringent, early adoption helps ports stay ahead of compliance demands.
Stakeholder Confidence: Sustainable practices attract business from environmentally responsible partners and boost investor confidence.
Public Image: Green initiatives bolster a port’s reputation, especially in regions where pollution and environmental health are public concerns.
For the wider logistics network — freight forwarders, hauliers, and shipping lines — working with eco-conscious ports provides an opportunity to reduce their Scope 3 emissions and meet customer expectations for greener supply chains.
Overcoming Challenges While the benefits are clear, the transition isn’t without obstacles:
Higher Upfront Costs: HVO and eco oils are more expensive than traditional alternatives. However, many operators view this as a long-term investment that pays off through reduced emissions and lower maintenance.
Supply and Availability: In some areas, sourcing consistent volumes of HVO or specific eco lubricants remains a challenge. This is gradually improving as demand increases.
Training Requirements: Staff and maintenance crews must be educated on how to handle, store, and monitor these products properly to avoid misuse or contamination.
Fortunately, as demand rises and production scales, these issues are becoming less significant — making adoption more feasible for ports of all sizes.
Conclusion: A Cleaner Maritime Industry Starts at the Dock
The shift toward HVO fuel and eco hydraulic oils represents more than an environmental trend — it’s a powerful step toward modernising the UK’s maritime logistics. These changes contribute directly to national decarbonisation goals while delivering practical operational benefits to port operators. As more UK ports commit to carbon neutrality, expect to see HVO and environmentally friendly lubricants become standard across the country’s docks. For those involved in shipping, freight, or marine services, aligning with these greener practices isn’t just good business — it’s essential for future viability. Source URL - https://medium.com/@compassenergy64/uk-ports-and-docks-turning-to-hvo-and-ecohydraulic-oils-583021e0765e
