Gothenburg RoRo Terminal has reached one million operating hours using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) across its machine fleet, marking a major step in its sustainability journey.
Long-Term Partnership Supports Cleaner Operations
The milestone highlights the terminal’s ongoing focus on reducing emissions and improving equipment efficiency.
The achievement comes through a close partnership with Volvo Penta, which provides HVO-compatible engines and technical support.
Located near Volvo Penta’s headquarters, Gothenburg RoRo Terminal has become a key site for testing new technologies in real operating conditions.
“Our partnership with Volvo Penta has continued since 2014,” said Göran Dittmer, Technical Manager at the terminal. “We provide the machines and working environment, while Volvo Penta uses the data to test and improve future solutions.”
Real-World Testing Drives Innovation
The collaboration allows both companies to study equipment performance in daily port operations.
The terminal’s machines support testing activities such as:
- Engine data collection for electric driveline development
- Hydrogen injector testing
- Turbo testing
- Component validation
These trials help Volvo Penta improve future products. At the same time, the terminal gains early knowledge about upcoming technologies.
The companies are also exploring possible machine upgrades to extend equipment life and meet future sustainability goals.
HVO Helps Reduce Emissions
Gothenburg RoRo Terminal started its HVO transition in 2018 with a 40% blend.
By 2019, the entire fleet moved to 100% HVO, including older engines from 1999.
The switch helped reduce CO₂ emissions significantly. According to the terminal, emissions per unit dropped to around one-third of previous levels.
“Reducing CO₂ per unit allows us to increase production while staying within environmental limits,” said Dittmer.
HVO allowed the terminal to improve its existing fleet without immediately replacing machines with electric alternatives.
Preparing for Future Energy Solutions
Port operations create demanding conditions, including exposure to salt, moisture, and heavy workloads.
However, the partnership with Volvo Penta helps the terminal monitor engine performance and identify future improvements.
The terminal continues to study options such as repowering and retrofits. These solutions could help extend machine lifespan while supporting sustainability targets.
Building a Foundation for the Future
Looking ahead, Gothenburg RoRo Terminal believes collaboration and innovation will remain important.
Battery technology, hydrogen solutions, and other zero-emission systems are expected to play a larger role as regulations become stricter.
Reaching one million HVO operating hours shows how practical solutions and industry partnerships can support the transition toward cleaner operations.
