Ofload Partners with Countrywide and 7R Logistics to Drive Zero-Emissions Freight in Australia
Partnership to create a sustainable road freight network - starting in Tasmania
Sydney, Australia – 4 September 2024 – In a pioneering partnership, Countrywide Hydrogen (Countrywide), a leading green hydrogen project developer, Ofload, Australia’s leading digital road freight provider, and 7R Logistics (7R), a pan-Australian transport company have jointly signed a Collaboration Agreement to introduce a zero-emissions logistics solution across Australia.
The partnership is an important step in creating a sustainable nation-wide road logistics network model, paving the way for hydrogen-powered trucking to become a scalable and viable solution across the nation’s key freight routes.
As seen with similar initiatives globally, such as those by Daimler Truck and bp, the adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks is increasingly recognised as essential for decarbonising the road freight industry, a significant contributor to national emissions.
The collaboration leverages Ofload’s advanced technology platform to connect shippers with freight carriers, while 7R Logistics will provide a hydrogen-powered, zero-emission transport solution. Countrywide Hydrogen will supply green hydrogen fuel along key transport routes, establishing a sustainable supply chain model replicable nationwide.
Targeted rollout in Tasmania, Melbourne and Adelaide
With Countrywide Hydrogen’s first green hydrogen production set to commence in Tasmania in the second half of 2026, the initiative will launch in the State. Countrywide’s Hydrogen HyWay plans are already well advanced in Tasmania, with South Australia and Victoria next in line. The partnership will focus on high-demand road freight routes, specifically Adelaide to Melbourne and within Tasmania, ensuring that hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure are strategically located to support seamless operations for hydrogen-powered trucks in these regions.
Vehicle supply and financing
Countrywide is collaborating with the Walkinshaw Automotive Group to deliver hydrogen fuel cell trucks to the Australian market.
Countrywide will also shortly announce a partnership with a global asset financier to provide tailored financing solutions to overcome the higher upfront costs of hydrogen-powered vehicles compared to diesel trucks.
Commenting on the Collaboration Agreement, Geoffrey Drucker, Managing Director of Countrywide Hydrogen, said: "This agreement marks a significant step towards achieving the emissions reduction targets set by corporate Australia and government bodies. By bringing together the freight, road transport, and fuel supply sectors, we’re creating a scalable, zero-emission supply chain ecosystem primed to grow as more customers commit to sustainable transport solutions."
Geoffroy Henry, CEO of Ofload, commented:
“By integrating green hydrogen into our national logistics network, we’re not just reducing emissions, we’re reshaping the future of freight transport in Australia. This partnership typifies our commitment to driving innovation and sustainability across the industry."
Tim Jensen, Managing Director of 7R Logistics, said: “This collaboration is a game-changer for Australia’s road logistics. By utilising hydrogen-powered trucks, we're not only meeting the growing demand for sustainable transport but also setting a new standard for zero-emission logistics across Australia.”
The Collaboration Agreement comes at a critical juncture, following the Senate's passage of the climate-related financial disclosures Bill last month. This new legislation will require companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Australia's push towards a zero-emissions future. By joining forces now, Countrywide Hydrogen, Ofload and 7R Logistics are ideally placed to support Australia’s transition to a more sustainable national supply chain.
The executed Agreement is a non-binding strategic framework for the parties to work collaboratively and that is intended to be converted into definitive arrangements as Countrywide Hydrogen’s projects progress.
Media contacts:
Countrywide Hydrogen Rebecca Harrison 0408 529 751 rebecca.harrison@civicpartners.com.au
Ofload & 7R Logistics Gigi Shaw 0410 598 568 gigi@newworldrm.com
Notes
About Ofload
Ofload is Australia’s leading digital road freight provider, helping businesses achieve efficient, flexible and sustainable supply chains, with a nationwide carrier network servicing over 10,000 monthly shipments of all types of road freight.
Ofload connects leading brands such Asahi, Primo, Kimberly-Clark, Metcash and Noumi with carriers in a smarter way to fill empty shipping capacity, utilising the thousands of kilometres of journeys per year otherwise wasted, and reducing CO2 emissions.
The company actively supports Australia’s small business carriers, connecting reliable small-to-medium-sized transport operators from the "long tail" of the nation’s AUD$66B road freight industry, with Australia's largest brands and shippers.
About Countrywide Hydrogen:
Countrywide Hydrogen, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASX listed company ReNu Energy Limited (ASX:RNE), develops renewable hydrogen projects in Australia and abroad where offtake opportunities and abundant renewable energy sources prevail. Countrywide currently is progressing six renewable hydrogen projects in Australia, four in Tasmania and two in Victoria.
About 7R Logistics
7R Logistics has grown into a national transportation service provider, catering to some of the largest food and dairy companies in Australia. 7R Logistics specialises in providing reliable transportation solutions for bulk food grade liquid, sugar, and natural gas. As a leader in the logistics industry, 7R Logistics is committed to delivering reliable, sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions that help clients grow their businesses.