Graham Cudbertson (L), Marine Administration Manager with Simon Bird ®, Regional Director of ABP Humber and the fleet of new Volkswagen ID.3 electric cars being trialled by the Humber Marine Pilots

Associated British Ports (ABP) has invested in a fleet of electric cars to transport the Humber Marine Pilots around the region.

The five VW ID.3 electric cars with a range of 300 miles have been chosen to ensure the Pilots can travel around the 145 square miles that is covered by them. Stretching from Goole to Grimsby and covering inland ports such as Flixborough, the Pilots cover a million miles a year on the road as they travel from port to port.

Simon Bird, Regional Director of ABP Humber, said: “The Humber Marine Pilots are undertaking a lot of travel around our ports, and they needed a dependable electric vehicle and VW was our first choice. It’s a popular car with a strong performance record and excellent environmental credentials.

“Our ambition long term is to ensure we reduce emissions, and the Humber ports are leading the way in supporting sustainability and investing in green equipment.”

David Rae, Sales Manager at Volkswagen Financial Services Fleet, said: “Supporting organisations through their transition to electric vehicles is extremely important to us. We’re pleased to have been able to supply ABP with their ID.3 vehicles to help cut down their fleet emissions while enabling them to cover the miles they need to.

“We look forward to continuing to work with ABP as they continue on their journey to an electric fleet.”

The all-electric ID.3 is the first Volkswagen produced and delivered with a carbon neutral balance. It has lightning-fast recharging and can recharge a range of up to approximately 180 miles in 30 minutes.

Multiple electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed across the Humber ports as part of a £150,000 investment at Hull Port House, Immingham Dock Office, and the Grimsby Marine Control Centre. Further EV points will be rolled out longer term.

As the trial of using electric vehicles continues, it is hoped another 10 electric cars will join the fleet soon, with a further 10 being added in 2024.