Maritime Transport, the UK’s largest container transport company, has added 20 Volvo FH tractor units to its operation. The new vehicles have been carefully specified to deliver maximum fuel efficiency and reliability levels.
The 6×2 pusher axle FH tractor units were all delivered with Volvo’s latest Euro 6 Step D, 13-litre engine producing 460hp. These power plants drive I-Shift gearboxes with fuel optimisation software and dashboard mounted gear selector switches. Rounding off the powertrain assemblies are the latest Volvo RSS1344E rear axles with final drive ratios of 2.47:1. To minimise rolling resistance, 315/70 R22.5 Goodyear Fuelmax 2 tyres were selected.
To maximise the FH Globetrotter cabs’ aerodynamics Maritime Transport’s specification deletes the option of external sun visors and adds front bumper spoilers. A Long Haul Fuel software package for the D13K engine sees gel batteries, clutchable air compressors and variable rate steering pumps utilised. The FH’s also benefit from a two year Volvo Blue Service Contract and the vehicles will be retained for five years.
“We’ve done a lot of research with Richard Sharples and Andrew Low at Volvo Trucks UK to put together an ultimate fuel saving specification for these Volvo FH’s and are confident the new vehicles will benefit our expanding fleet,” reports Stuart Wardlaw, Fleet Director at Maritime Transport.
Formed in 2001, Maritime Transport is a long established Volvo Trucks customer and operates a fleet of 1,200 vehicles from 33 operating centres throughout England. In addition to its signature container transport, the company has added distribution, warehousing and intermodal solutions to its service portfolio to the market.
