Global research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan has recognized Heckmann Corp. with the 2011 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Green Excellence, based on Heckmann Water Resources' plans to deploy 200 liquefied natural gas (LNG) tractors in its fleet.
‘Fleets that take an early-adopter stance by placing large orders serve to support vehicle manufacturers and the related systems and components supplies in deriving sufficient sales to start regular production runs,’ says Sandeep Kar, Frost & Sullivan's commercial vehicle research global director. ‘When this tipping point occurs, economies of scale can be realized and total product costs can be reduced, thus stimulating further market demand.’
With the 200-vehicle initiative, Heckmann expects to reduce its demand for diesel fuel by 5 million gallons annually. To support this rollout, the company worked with Encana Natural Gas Inc. to build a natural gas refueling station – which is now also open to the public.
Heckmann Water Resources took delivery of 30 LNG tractors in 2011, and the schedule calls for the remainder of the vehicles to come online by the end of this year.
