Maritime Transport accelerates fleet expansion with 275 new Volvo’s

To provide additional support to customers and reduce the environmental impact of its operations, Maritime Transport Ltd. (Maritime) has ordered 250 new Volvo FH- 460TCE tractor units along with 25 Globetrotter XL 500TCE’s. The next generation models, supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus South and East, are due to enter service from July and will be distributed across the company’s 40+ depot network.

Maritime’s latest fleet investment follows a recent order for 50 previous generation FH with I-Save tractor units which have already delivered a number of key operational benefits including improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and brings the total number of Volvo’s on the company’s 1,275-vehicle fleet to around 430.

Paul Heyhoe, Fleet Director at Maritime, stated: ‘We have had 40 on the road for a few weeks now and they are performing really well, going further on a full tank than any other 6x2 tractors on the fleet. The final 10 will enter service this month, and then all eyes will be on the new models arriving later this year.’

To unlock the additional fuel performance, Volvo Trucks’ product development team made crucial software updates based on detailed user data analysis. The balance between fuel consumption and drivability has also been refined, leading to a further fuel savings when driving in Eco mode.

Expected to cover roughly 160,000km per year on both container and distribution operations, the latest generation FH unit includes Volvo’s Euro-6 Step D, 13-litre engine, producing 460hp. Each unit also comprises a more aerodynamic design, as well as improved map-based I-See technology which continuously reads the road 2km ahead to optimise gear changing strategy, thus ensuring the best possible fuel performance.

Testing by Volvo Trucks has shown the new Volvo FH with I-Save to deliver a 10 per cent saving versus a standard Volvo FH equipped with a 13-litre Euro-6 Step D engine. This is three per cent more than the previous generation Volvo FH with I-Save, which was introduced in 2019.

Commenting on the new vehicles, John Williams, Group Executive Chairman at Maritime, said: ‘As a business, we are committed to operating a compliant, reliable and eco-friendly fleet and this is reflected in our decision to invest in the new FH Volvo with I-Save engine technology. Our policy of continuous investment in new vehicles means we are able to operate one of the youngest fleets in the industry, benefitting from the latest technology in reducing vehicle emissions, enhancing driver comfort and ensuring safety and compliance across our entire fleet. Once fully integrated, we’re confident these vehicles will bring a number of benefits to our operation, our drivers, and our customers.’

‘We are very happy to be working with Maritime again in a partnership that spans 20 years,’ said Richard Sharples, Fleet Sales Director – UK & Ireland at Volvo Group UK Ltd. ‘Maritime conducted their own trials on the Volvo FH product. Through this exercise, the FH with I-Save proved itself to be the optimum truck on fuel performance and economy. In addition, it fits perfectly with Maritime’s ongoing strategy to provide unparalleled driver facilities and complete coverage for its customers.’

The new vehicles will be supplied on a two-year Volvo Blue Contract covering preventative maintenance, servicing costs, and remote workshop connection.