City of Ghent and the Ghent Fire Brigade have been cooperating on innovative procurement contracts for 3 years. During the FIRED-uP project we were looking for an innovative solution to improve the efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of transport for daily logistic operations and for second line interventions, meaning all logistic transport needed after the first fire trucks have assessed an emergency situation after arrival (for example extra tools needed, extra foam etc.)
The procurement procedure started with the launch of a Prior Information Notice at the end of December 2013 to announce a market consultation for this innovative procurement project. In the procurement phase that followed the market consultation we received a number of interesting, innovative offers. One of the bidders, a smaller SME, named Van Bouwel, submitted the most advantageous bid.
This company is currently completing the installation of an innovative crane and modular containers for the fire brigade’s new CNG-powered IVECO truck. The truck will serve different functions which in the past required the fire brigade to use different trucks each assigned to one particular task.
The combination will result in more efficient loading and use the truck to its full capacity, so that “empty” rides are reduced to a minimum. The reduced environmental impact of the CNG-powered engine will contribute to better air quality. Once arrived at the delivery location an electric powered crane will allow quiet and exhaust-free drop-off of the needed goods.
The modular containers used on the truck will be kept as light as possible to reduce MTM (Maximum Allowed Load) and in the end to lower fuel consumption. They will also allow the fire brigade to transport different kind of materials including liquids like foam, water, cleaning products and fuel.
City of Ghent and Ghent Fire Brigade will demonstrate the truck at the final conference in London in July 2015 and will also be happy to demonstrate the system to other fire brigades and fleet operators.
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