Shell Aviation introduces industry-first electric pump jet refueller
London, 4 July 2018: Shell Aviation has announced the introduction of a first-of-its-kind electric pump jet refuelling vehicle in its operations at Stuttgart Airport, Germany. The vehicle significantly reduces diesel consumption during aircraft refuelling, supporting airports in their efforts to reduce emissions across their operations. This refueller is a part of Shell Aviation’s commitment to develop innovative technologies that deliver benefits across airport operations globally.
“The electric pump jet refueller system is an example of the spirit of innovation we bring to our customers, working with airports and airlines to provide solutions to the operational challenges they face,” said Anne Anderson, Vice-President Shell Aviation. “We are excited about the potential for electric pump jet refuellers to help reduce the carbon footprint of airports. We are hopeful that this pilot programme at Stuttgart Airport will prove successful and these vehicles will have an important role to play in airports of the future.”
The 20,000-litre refueller features a fully electric fuelling system and pressure control, enabling a significant reduction in diesel consumption when compared to conventional refuellers which use the diesel engine to power refuelling. The new refueller uses its diesel engine solely for moving around the apron, switching it off while refuelling takes place. Following extensive trials, the refueller is currently being piloted with the support of Stuttgart Airport. It is anticipated that the refueller will deliver a reduction in diesel consumption of 2,200 litres during the course of the pilot, compared to a conventional refuelling vehicle.1
The introduction of the refueller saw Shell Aviation working with Esterer, a leading manufacturer of aircraft refuellers. Developed by Esterer with input from Shell Aviation, the electric refuelling system allows the vehicle’s diesel engine to be switched off during refuelling, reducing CO2 emissions at the point of use by lowering diesel consumption. Noise and particulate emissions on the aircraft stand are also reduced, due to the diesel engine running for less time compared to a conventional refueller.
“With more than 40 years of experience and a long-term partnership with Shell Aviation, we at Esterer are very proud of this development which introduces the worldwide first electrical refuelling system,” said Julia Esterer, Managing Director and Owner of Esterer. “Reducing emissions from ground operations is a priority for the aviation industry, and this technology will help deliver significant benefits in terms of reducing fumes and noise emissions.”
Walter Schoefer, Management Spokesman of Stuttgart Airport, added: “Reducing the carbon footprint of our airport operations by electrifying ramp equipment is a priority for our business. Innovative technologies such as this have potential to deliver significant emissions savings across our refuelling processes. We are pleased to be partnering with Shell Aviation on this pilot and look forward to seeing the results.”
Following the pilot of the electric pump refueller at Stuttgart Airport, Shell Aviation will assess opportunities to deploy the technology across its extensive refuelling network.
Enquiries:
Dan Swallow, Hill+Knowlton Strategies
T: +44 207 413 3773
E: dan.swallow@hkstrategies.com
Notes to editors:
- Based on historic vehicle utilisation data for Stuttgart Airport, the 20,000 litre electric pump refueller is expected to deliver a saving of 2,200 litres of diesel over the course of the 12 month pilot when compared to a conventional refueller.
About Shell Aviation
- Shell Aviation is a leading global supplier of aviation fuels and lubricants. It supplies fuel at around 850 airports in 32 countries, refuelling an aircraft every 14 seconds on average.
- Shell Aviation provides a diverse range of world-class fuels, lubricants and services to all aircraft types. This includes jet fuel and avgas for turbine engine and piston engine aircraft operators respectively, as well as its AeroShell® range of engine oils, fluids and greases.
- Further information can be found on Shell Aviation
About Stuttgart Airport
- Each year, approximately 11 million passengers arrive at and depart from Stuttgart Airport. With more than 55 airlines to choose from, passengers can fly to over 100 destinations.
- Located in one of Europe's strongest economic regions, the airport is a major provider of mobility for people and businesses in Baden-Wuerttemberg.
- At the same time, airport management takes its responsibility for its neighbors and environment very seriously. Stuttgart Airport aims to become one of the best-performing and sustainable airports in Europe – the fairport STR.
About Esterer
- Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Esterer GmbH & Co. KG (Esterer) is a family owned business in the third generation that was founded in 1955. The production of aircraft refuelers started in the 1970s. Esterer is located in Helsa near Kassel in the very heart of Germany.
- With 250 road tankers and 100 aircraft refuelers per year Esterer is one of the leading manufacturers for aircraft refuelers in the world, always incorporating the newest technologies and latest international standards.
Royal Dutch Shell plc
Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects. For further information, visit www.shell.com.
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