FS Logistix steps up its energy transition efforts, launching the HVO trial on its fleet

FS Logistix is revving up its energy transition efforts, with the HVO trial on its rail and road fleets. Advanced biofuel is already being used by Mercitalia Rail and Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal in their operations, confirming the commitment of FS Group Companies to promoting practical solutions to reduce the logistics carbon footprint and supporting the sector’s decarbonisation efforts.

 

The trial involves both rail and road transport. Mercitalia Rail is currently carrying out tests on two locomotives – one for traction and one for shunting – using approximately 15,000 litres of biofuel. While at Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal, HVO is already being used to power shunting locomotives at the Santo Stefano Magra and Valdellora sites. HVO is also being introduced in the lorry fleet, which is currently being renovated with 21 Euro 6 vehicles running on this fuel. Approximately 19,000 litres of HVO were consumed in 2025, with a resulting reduction of up to around 40 tonnes of CO₂ compared with diesel, equivalent to the annual emissions of 15–20 cars.

 

“Sustainability is not something apart from FS Logistix’s business. Quite the contrary, it is the way we interpret our role within the industry,” said Sabrina De Filippis, Chief Executive of FS Logistix. “The HVO trial goes exactly in this direction: adopting practical, readily available and measurable solutions that can reduce the environmental impact of our operations and create value for our customers. Innovation and sustainability are part of our mindset. Every day, we choose technologies, processes and operating models that can make logistics more efficient, competitive and responsible”.

 

With the HVO being introduced in diesel locomotives and in the company fleet, emissions will be significantly reduced – up to 90% CO₂ compared with conventional diesel – while maintaining operational continuity, service efficiency and full compatibility with existing fleets.

 

HVO is an advanced biofuel obtained from renewable raw materials, such as waste cooking oil, agri-food waste and organic residues. This already-available solution can be implemented immediately in existing diesel engines, without the need for any vehicle or infrastructure modifications. It is a tangible way of supporting the energy transition in the transport sector, and reducing emissions throughout the entire life cycle compared with fossil diesel.

 

This initiative is part of FS Logistix’s wider decarbonisation programme, and contributes to FS Group’s sustainability objectives, inducing the Net Zero goal by 2040. The 2030 target of achieving a 60% share of HVO use in road transport also lines up with this approach, and confirms the central role of advanced biofuels in the energy transition. In this vision, the future of logistics lies in an increasingly integrated, efficient and sustainable system, capable of supporting business competitiveness and the country’s transition.