Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited (DCBL), a leading Indian cement manufacturer and a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited, deployed its first fleet of LNG trucks. DCBL has tied up with GreenLine Logistics (Green Planet Logistics Pvt. Ltd.), India’s first and only LNG-fueled heavy trucking logistics company, for this significant initiative towards building a ‘green’ supply chain with an initial order of 35 trucks. The first lot of trucks have been deployed from its Chandrapur Plant in Maharashtra. The next deployment of 25 trucks will be done from its plan in Tamil Nadu in April. The introduction of LNG and EV trucks are part of DCBL’s green logistics strategy for the decarbonization of its transportation fleet which accounts for around 1.5% of total CO2 equivalent emissions. Dalmia Cement plans to convert 10% of its existing fleet of 3,000 vehicles to the eco-friendlier LNG alternative transport by end of FY24. The current consignment is also one of the biggest for LNG trucks signed with GreenLine Logistics in the cement sector.
Dalmia Cement has employed two types of LNG trucks – trailer and bulker trucks, for the transportation of raw materials and bagged cement. These will cover 50 – 600 kms range for inbound and outbound logistics. GreenLine’s LNG trucks reduce CO2 emissions by ~28%, translating to emission reduction of ~24 ton CO2 per truck per annum, compared to conventional diesel trucks. Over the initial fleet of 35 LNG trucks, this adds up to a significant reduction of 840-ton CO2 per year. In addition, these LNG trucks significantly reduce other dangerous emissions – SOx emissions by upto 100%, NOx emissions by upto 59% and Particulate Matter by upto 91%.
Commenting on this initiative, Company Spokesperson, DBL said: “Dalmia Cement has been following the business philosophy of Clean & Green is Profitable and Sustainable. Our overall CO2 emissions have come down from 670 kg per tonne to 467 kg per tonne – one of the lowest globally and we are focusing on realising our carbon negative goal by 2040. We are delighted to partner with GreenLine Logistics for further reduction of our carbon footprint and GHG emissions under Scope 3 category.”
Commenting on the association, Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine, said: “We are proud to partner with Dalmia Cement in their emissions reduction journey by decarbonising their heavy trucking and will be investing ~INR 250 cr to enable transition of 10% of their fleet to LNG by March 2024. Reducing emissions from heavy trucking is crucial for corporates targeting net-zero. GreenLine is enabling this through its fleet of LNG-powered heavy duty trucks.”
The flag-off event was attended by Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited officials – Saurabh Palsania, Group Commercial Head, Hakimuddin Ali, Executive Director and Business Head Maharashtra; Anirban Basu, Executive Director and National Logistics Head; Subbaraidu Ayyagari, Plant Head, Chandrapur. Also, present on the occasion was Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine Logistics, and other key officials.
Dalmia Cement is also the first triple joiner company of EP 100, EV 100 and RE 100 initiatives of the Climate Group. The company follows a three-pronged strategy to reduce emissions – 1) by replacing conventional fuels and raw materials with alternative solutions, 2) expanding its overall renewable energy portfolio in Solar & WHRS journey towards EV100, 3) deployment of green vehicles in logistics. Dalmia Cement is committed to becoming carbon negative by 2040.
GreenLine Logistics is on a mission to decarbonize heavy trucking in India and is paving the way for widespread adoption of LNG fueled long haul trucks by showcasing its immense advantages for corporates. GreenLine has collaborated with multiple organisations to create India’s first & only integrated green logistics ecosystem to make LNG trucking a reality in India.