Carrier Transicold has delivered five Vector HE 19 Low CO2 Emissions Multi-Temperature trailer refrigeration units to Tesco, supporting the retailer’s transition to lower-emissions refrigerated transport and cold chain operations in the UK.
The units are mounted on 13.6-metre (approx. 44.6-foot) Gray & Adams trailers and use R454A refrigerant with a certified Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 239. Carrier Transicold says R454A reduces GWP by nearly 90% compared with R452A, which has a GWP of 2,140, while maintaining equivalent cooling performance.
The Vector HE 19 Low CO2 Emissions system has been internally redesigned to accommodate the ultra-low-GWP refrigerant while maintaining the user experience and performance of the standard Vector platform. It includes leak-detection sensors and a pump-down system that automatically recovers refrigerant in the event of a leak, helping reduce the potential release of fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Carrier Transicold and its service partners have established technician training for handling the refrigerant and associated technologies, along with specialised maintenance tools and equipment. The five units are covered by Carrier Transicold’s BluEdge fixed-cost full-service maintenance package, including annual temperature-control testing and certification, regulatory inspections and access to the oneCALL 24/7 incident management system.
Tesco, which operates more than 2,900 stores in the UK, will use the trailers seven days a week to transport ambient, chilled and frozen goods across its national distribution network.
“Working with Carrier Transicold allows us to take meaningful steps towards reducing emissions across our fleet,” said Cliff Smith, Fleet Engineering Manager, Tesco. “The Vector HE 19 Low CO2 Emissions units support our strategy to transition away from carbon-intensive solutions, without sacrificing reliability or efficiency. This investment demonstrates how we are embedding sustainability into every part of our supply chain.”
