Siemens & DHL Partner: 80% Emission Cut for UK Rail Logistics

LONDON, UK – Siemens Mobility has awarded a strategic multi-year contract to DHL Supply Chain to establish a sustainable, data-driven logistics network for its UK rail operations. The partnership will leverage a dedicated fleet powered by low-emission biofuels to deliver critical components, cutting associated carbon emissions by approximately 80% and enhancing operational resilience through advanced digital visibility.

In a significant move to decarbonise its supply chain, Siemens Mobility has selected DHL Supply Chain to manage the nationwide distribution of essential rail components. Under the new multi-year agreement, DHL will operate two dedicated fleets to transport parts from Siemens Mobility’s Rail Components Distribution Centres in Kettering and Goole to a network of depots, outstations, and sub-supplier sites across the United Kingdom. The contract is designed to support Siemens Mobility’s extensive train maintenance, repair, and refurbishment activities, including same-day delivery services for urgent repairs to minimise service disruptions.

At the core of the collaboration is a deep commitment to sustainability. The operation utilises DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, with 70% of the dedicated vehicle fleet already running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a second-generation biofuel that drastically reduces carbon emissions. The remaining vehicles are scheduled to transition to HVO by the end of the year, aligning with both companies’ ambitious carbon reduction targets and DHL’s goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. This initiative mirrors successful decarbonisation efforts in other logistics sectors, where sustainable fuels have proven to cut well-to-wake emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional alternatives.

The partnership also marks a leap forward in digital logistics for the rail sector, reflecting a broader industry trend of moving from simple visibility tools to integrated systems that can sense, decide, and act. By leveraging DHL’s MySupplyChain platform, Siemens Mobility will gain unprecedented insight into component flows, enabling more intelligent inventory management and bolstering operational resilience. All transport planning and execution will be managed through DHL’s Connected Control Tower in Tamworth, providing real-time tracking of goods in transit and dynamic route optimisation to ensure reliability and efficiency for time-critical rail operations.

Key Takeaways

• Major Decarbonisation Step: The immediate use of an HVO-powered fleet will cut logistics-related carbon emissions by around 80%, significantly greening Siemens Mobility’s Scope 3 emissions.
• Enhanced Digital Control: Integration of DHL’s MySupplyChain platform and Connected Control Tower provides Siemens with real-time visibility, leading to smarter inventory and more resilient operations.
• Improved Service Reliability: The inclusion of same-day delivery services for urgent repairs will help minimise train downtime and maintain the reliability of UK passenger services.

Editor’s Analysis

This partnership between Siemens Mobility and DHL is more than a standard logistics contract; it represents a strategic convergence of sustainability and digitalisation that sets a new benchmark for the rail industry’s supply chain. While rail is already a sustainable mode of transport, this initiative addresses the often-overlooked carbon footprint of its maintenance and support operations. By embedding low-emission fuels and data-driven visibility at the core of its logistics, Siemens Mobility is not only enhancing its operational efficiency but also building a resilient, future-proofed support network. This move demonstrates that environmental responsibility and operational excellence are increasingly intertwined, offering a powerful blueprint for other major transport and infrastructure players worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the Siemens Mobility and DHL partnership?
The main objective is to create a highly efficient, sustainable, and digitally transparent logistics network for Siemens Mobility’s UK train maintenance operations. This aims to reduce carbon emissions significantly while improving the speed and reliability of component delivery.

How is the partnership achieving its sustainability targets?
The partnership uses a dedicated fleet of vehicles powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a biofuel that reduces carbon emissions by approximately 80% compared to conventional diesel. The entire fleet is set to run on HVO by the end of 2025.

What digital technologies are being implemented?
DHL is deploying its MySupplyChain digital platform to give Siemens Mobility detailed insight into parts flows for smarter inventory management. Additionally, DHL’s Connected Control Tower provides real-time tracking of shipments and optimises delivery routes for maximum efficiency.