Sustain Alliance hosts Fleet Demonstration Day
Future of low-carbon construction logistics and plant showcased at Tarmac’s Tilbury depot
INDUSTRY leaders recently gathered at Tarmac’s Tilbury depot for a Fleet Demonstration Day hosted by Sustain Alliance, showcasing the latest advancements in low-carbon construction logistics and plant. The event, designed to support the decarbonization of the Lower Thames Crossing and other major UK infrastructure projects, provided a hands-on experience with next-generation vehicles, battery-electric plant, and innovative fleet solutions.
Sustain Alliance, a joint venture between Tarmac and Holcim UK, was formed to drive low-carbon innovation in construction materials and logistics. With a focus on decarbonization, circularity and efficiency, the partnership integrates sustainable solutions across aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, and paving.
Sustain Alliance are working in partnership with Balfour Beatty to deliver Roads North for the Lower Thames Crossing, a proposed new road and tunnel under the Thames designed to tackle congestion by almost doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London. As a pathfinder project, the Lower Thames Crossing is exploring innovative, low-carbon construction methods to speed and scale-up adoption by the wider industry.
These innovations were showcased at the Fleet Demonstration Day, where Sustain Alliance highlighted the latest updates in electric plant, alternative fleet solutions, and efficient logistics to support the industry net-zero transition. Bringing together key stakeholders from across the sector, the day featured expert-led discussions and live demonstrations across three interactive zones:
Electric quarry – Featuring a fully operational 23-tonne battery-electric excavator (Volvo EC230) and 20-tonne battery electric front-end loader (Volvo L120), highlighting the viability of electric heavy plant.
Efficient logistics – Showcasing a range of alternative fleet vehicles and trailers, including ejector trailers which are specially designed for asphalt delivery, providing benefits to the finished pavement durability and ride quality. The zone also included electric trucks, with guests invited to experience ‘ride-alongs’ from a driver’s perspective.
Electric road – Demonstrating cutting-edge battery-electric road construction equipment, including a battery-electric paver and roller.
Throughout the event, experts from Tarmac, Sustain Alliance, Holcim UK, and their supply chain partners engaged with attendees on the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to net-zero construction logistics. Discussions covered scaling up to larger vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions and vehicle movements, the integration of electric trucks into construction logistics, and the latest advancements in electric plant technology.
Ben Garner, head of logistics development at Tarmac, said: ‘We showed how we can reduce carbon emissions by a third and vehicle movements by more than 40% by using bigger articulated trucks with a wide range of trailer options suited to different project needs, from tipping to walking floors to ejectors. We also demonstrated how much of our yellow plant can already be electrified, with second-generation technology available and new, larger models emerging all the time.
‘Electric trucks can do the job, particularly when charging networks are planned effectively to maximize operational efficiency. Yes, challenges remain, but together with our partners, we’re tackling them one by one.
‘While it was fantastic to engage with customers and see their enthusiasm, my personal highlight was watching the Tarmac Tilbury team get hands-on with all the electric plant at the end of the day. I’m excited to see where this takes us in the coming years. The Lower Thames Crossing has set a bold challenge, but it presents a huge opportunity for the industry.’
As the construction sector accelerates towards net zero, collaboration, investment, and innovation will be key. The Fleet Demonstration Day proved that the transition is well under way, with real-world technology ready to deliver sustainable, low-carbon infrastructure today.
Natalie Bonnick, head of supply chain development, Lower Thames Crossing, said: ‘The Lower Thames Crossing will be a pathfinder project for carbon-neutral construction, which means we are on a mission to take the carbon out of construction. It is inspiring to be here today and see the innovation first-hand – things we once thought impossible are becoming possible and we are finding a path that will lead the industry towards net zero.’
