Air bp has launched its first all-electric fuel tanker (and Australia’s first all-electric DG vehicle), which is now in service at Brisbane Airport. The custom-built, lithium-ion powered aero refueller can carry 16,000 litres. Digital charging once a day allows for operation around the clock for 24 full hours without a recharge.
This landmark tanker was put into operation on 30 August 2022 at Brisbane Airport. Attending on the day, was The Hon Catherine King MP, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, who spoke more broadly about decarbonising the aviation sector.
Air bp also anticipates that the electric refueller will reduce bp’s operation and maintenance costs when compared with similar diesel-fuelled refuellers.
The refueller was manufactured in collaboration with SEA Electric, a global leader in e-mobility solutions which provided the electric power system and Refuel International, a global manufacturer and supplier of specialised refuelling vehicles, equipment, and support services to the aviation industry.
Speaking at the launch event at Brisbane Airport, Daniel Tyzack, Managing Director, Air bp Asia Pacific said: “Air bp has been collaborating with SEA and Refuel International for two years on the custom-designed and specialised electric refueller to meet exacting performance and safety requirements. We are delighted to launch the refueller at Brisbane Airport where we are responsible for fuelling 30 airlines and approximately 100 flights daily. Our work reflects bp’s ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and to help the world get to net zero by working with our customers to help decarbonise fuelling operations.”
“SEA Electric is proud to be partnering with bp on this world-leading project”, said Tony Fairweather, CEO and founder, SEA Electric. “By successfully producing our first SEA 500 aircraft refuelling truck complete with an SEA-Drive® 120-35 fully electric power system, we have opened up an entirely new application that helps set the standard for environmental credentials.”
“Refuel International are very proud to have developed Australia’s first all-electric aviation refueller in partnership with Air bp and SEA. Refuel International have been Air bp’s builder of choice in Australia for over twenty years and this relationship has led to this significant achievement. This refueller delivers to the aircraft with zero fuel consumed and zero tail pipe emissions whilst meeting the requisite levels of safety and regulatory compliance,” said Geoff Pinner, General Manager for Refuel International.
This announcement builds on Air bp’s experience in launching the world’s first electric refueller in 2002 at Long Beach California and its introduction of the first generation of electric hydrant dispensers at Brisbane airport in 2005; which are still in operation at Darwin and Perth airports.
This reinforces Air bp’s commitment to its carbon reduction plan, including global carbon neutral accreditation for Air bp’s refuelling activities across its operated sites and is also proudly certified under the Australian Government’s Climate Active program.
Over time, it is Air bp’s intention to introduce the refueller at other Air bp operated sites.
About Air bp
As the aviation division of bp, Air bp is one of the world’s leading suppliers of aviation fuel products and services. It has been investing in the aviation industry for more than 90 years to keep people flying safely around the world. In 2019 we supplied over 6.7 billion gallons of aviation fuel, fuelling over 7000 flights per day at over 700 locations in more than 55 countries – that’s more than five planes a minute.
Its customers include commercial airlines, the military, business and private aircraft owners, airports and airfield operators. Air bp has a wide range of services to support its fuel offer including the design, build and operation of fuelling facilities, technical consultancy and training, low carbon solutions, the Sterling Card for efficient general aviation refuelling and innovative digital platforms to increase efficiency and reduce risk.
Find out more about Air bp.
Source: https://acapmag.com.au/2022/09/introducing-bps-new-all-electric-fuel-tanker/.
