Industry’s First CNG Solution for Bulk Logistics

Abbey Logistics Group, the UK’s leading bulk food logistics road tanker specialist, has developed a pioneering new tractor unit in collaboration with British Sugar. The project delivers a practical, lower-emission solution that meets the operational demands of bulk sugar transport while addressing long-standing gaps in the heavy goods vehicle market.

As the logistics sector continues to reduce its environmental impact, operators face a clear challenge: current heavy goods vehicle options struggle to balance cost, payload, range and future-proof technology. In 2025, with several tractor units due for replacement on the British Sugar contract, Abbey identified that no standard offering fully met the requirements for reliable daily operations, potential future gross vehicle weight increases, and meaningful CO₂ reduction.

Meeting Every Challenge in Bulk Logistics

With a £1 million investment in assets, a projected five-year operational lifecycle and 3.5 million miles of planned operation, the solution needed to deliver the right balance of sustainability, performance, safety and cost.

Partnering with Iveco and Astra Vehicle Technology, Abbey developed a purpose-built three-axle CNG tractor unit tailored to the operational requirements of the British Sugar contract.

Measurable Benefits

The resulting fleet of seven custom tractor units delivers a clear set of benefits:

• Approximately 4,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided over a five-year period,
• 1,200 kg lower unladen weight compared with market alternatives,
• 20% reduction in vehicle capital cost versus comparable options,
• 550-mile range on a single tank of CNG,
• Ability to operate at 44,000 kg today with the engineering capability to move to 48,000 kg GVW in future,
• Improved manoeuvrability through the lift-and-steer rear axle configuration,
• Projected fuel cost savings of around £20,000 per truck per year versus standard Euro 6 diesel (EN590) vehicles,
• Annual CO₂ reduction of approximately 120 tonnes per truck.

The design also maintains full compatibility with existing discharge equipment and has been engineered with driver acceptance as a priority.

Industry Recognition

The impact of this innovation has also been recognised across the industry, with the project now shortlisted as a finalist for the Innovation Award at the Motor Transport Awards.

What’s Next

The vehicles entered the engineering and conversion phase in 2025 following factory and specialist partner approvals. Ongoing monitoring will track real-world fuel use, operating costs, CO₂ performance, and additional factors such as brake dust and tyre wear through Abbey’s regular preventative maintenance schedules.

This project continues the ten-year partnership between Abbey Logistics and British Sugar, which has consistently focused on safety, sustainability and practical technological improvement. The project also demonstrates the wider capabilities of the SITRA Group following Abbey Logistics’ acquisition by the group in 2023, combining Abbey’s UK bulk food logistics expertise with SITRA’s extensive European operational network.

By developing a solution that did not previously exist in the market, Abbey has created a vehicle that reduces environmental impact, improves operational efficiency and remains commercially viable.

Get in touch!

Looking for a logistics partner that combines operational expertise with sustainable innovation? Get in touch to discuss your requirements, email us at hello@abbeylogisticsgroup.com.