Colas Rail UK has adopted Sulnox Eco Fuel Conditioner for use after thorough evaluation.
Sulnox Eco is a patented, 100% organic, biodegradable fuel conditioner that claims to deliver lower fuel costs, lower emissions and better engine performance. Applicable to any liquid hydrocarbon fuel, the drop-in solution promotes more complete combustion, with improved lubricity and added detergency benefits, it is claimed.
And Colas Rail UK is convinced.
It evaluated Sulnox Eco Fuel Conditioner in two separate assessments during 2024, across two engine applications: four tampers based in Rugby, with testing between April and December 2024; and a mix of Class 66 and Class 37 diesel locomotives used on the rail head treatment works in York, with testing between October and December 2024.
The evaluations were facilitated by Sulnox master distributor A&S International. Tamper emissions were monitored by independent inspection and compliance group Socotec, while locomotive emissions were measured by Cura Terrae, formerly ATESTA, a leading stack emissions testing contractor.
By comparing fuel efficiency and emissions performance before and after the dosing of Sulnox Eco, substantial reductions were seen in both evaluations. The locomotives showed a 4.5% fuel efficiency improvement, 63.2% reduction in carbon monoxide (CO), 47.5% reduction in sulphur oxide (SOx) and significant reductions in particulate matter (PM) – 32.6% reduction in PM2.5 and 30.4% reduction in PM10.
On the back of these results, Colas Rail UK is planning to roll out Sulnox Eco to the rest of its locomotive and tamper fleet over 2025 and 2026. Furthermore, Colas Rail UK will be encouraging its supply chain partners, such as those used for hiring of rail vehicles, to follow suit, enabling wider Scope 3 emission reductions across the rail industry.
With a 4.5% improvement in fuel efficiency, when full adoption has taken place, Colas Rail UK stands to save six figures annually on fuel alone.
Sulnox chief executive Ben Richardson said: “We are pleased to be working with a prestigious rail industry partner as both the operating companies and their infrastructure resource capability step up decarbonisation initiatives. Sulnox is committed to being part of the solution for the rail industry, helping to reduce emissions significantly, while delivering fuel cost savings and supporting participants to meet ESG goals.”
Colas Rail UK head of energy & carbon Dan Ditri added: “Cutting emissions is vital for rail’s future, and these trials prove that Sulnox Eco delivers significant reductions while improving fuel efficiency. It’s a seamless, high-impact solution that helps our locomotives and on track machines burn fuel more effectively, run cleaner, and generate substantial cost savings.”
Sulnox Group is a UK company listed on the Aquis Stock Exchange in London. It owns the intellectual property to its fuel additives but outsources production to Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel) in the Netherlands.
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