Case: Colas Rail UK
Lower Fuel Costs, Lower Emissions and Zero Capex, leads Colas Rail UK to adopt Sulnox Eco
Colas Rail UK
Colas Rail UK, a leading provider of railway infrastructure services, conducted a three month evaluation of Sulnox Eco to assess its fuel efficiency and emissions reductionbenefits. The 100% organic fuel conditioner was evaluated from September to December 2024, organised in collaboration with Sulnox master distributor A&S International, across six Class 66 Diesel Locos
The Evaluation
One locomotive first underwent emissions monitoring by ATESTA at UKRL’s Leicester site in September, alongside load bank testing by Colas Rail UK to establish baseline fuel consumption across different power notches.
For the main evaluation, six locomotives ran for three months on the Railhead Treatment Train (RHTT) circuit in York using Sulnox Eco-treated fuel. The fuel conditioner was pre-dosed into two 22,500-litre Fuel Proof temporary fuel tanks at Network Rail’s York site, with a 5-litre hopper ensuring precise dosing.
Operating under a high workload, the locomotives hauled heavy water wagons used for power-washing tracks ahead of winter, running 16-hour shifts, seven days a week - providing a controlled yet demanding environment for assessment.
Vital fuel saving solution for the rail industry
“Cutting emissions is vital for rail’s future, so seeing a drop-in solution deliver such significant reductions is a great result. The fact that it drives major fuel savings so quickly makes it a nobrainer.”
Dan Ditri, Head of Energy & Carbon Colas Rail UK
Fuel savings were substantial at 4.5% and emission reductions were equally as impressive!
The Result
The fuel savings were substantial, with a 4.5% fuel efficiency improvement confirmed and emissions reductions equally impressive. This robust evaluation with compelling results, resulted in adoption across their Class 66 and Tamper fleets.
With a 4.5% improvement in fuel efficiency, Colas Rail UK stands to save six figures annually on fuel alone. When combined with significant emissions reductions and cleaner engine performance, Sulnox Eco delivers a strong return on investment - one that Colas Rail UK’s key stakeholders are backing:
“The numbers from these trials make it clear: Sulnox Eco helps our locomotives burn fuel more effectively and run cleaner. It’s a nodisruption, high-impact solution that fits seamlessly into our operations.”
PAUL CONWAY CEng FIMechE
Head of Engineering and Compliance Colas Rail UK
DETAILS OF EMISSION REDUCTIONS FROM THE TRIAL
47,5 % Sulphur Oxide (SOx)
4,3 % Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
32,6 % PM2.5 and 30.4% PM10
9,1 % Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
63,2 % Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Independently verified by Cura Terrae (formerly Atesta).
SulNOx reduces emissions and creates fuel efficiencies through unique, game-changing fuel conditioners.
Benefits of using Sulnox*
Fuel savings of 4-8%
Lower engine oil temperatures
Lower coolant temperatures
Lower exhaust temperatures
Reduced AdBlue consumption
Increased Power & Torque
Environmental benefits of Sulnox*
>60% reduction in Particulate Matter 2.5
>50% reduction in Particulate Matter 10
>30% reduction in a range of other GHG emissions
Taking you further, faster and cleaner
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