FERCAM launches a research study with CNR ITAE (Institute of Advanced Technologies for Energy) to follow-up the "Emission free delivery" pilot project in Rome
The South Tyrolean logistics operator FERCAM, in collaboration with the Municipality of Rome and with TRELAB, the laboratory of the Roma Tre University, has an active role in the complex process of transforming the distribution of goods in the urban center, with the aim of building a virtuous model that is concretely sustainable. The project will be gradually extended to all national urban realities in which FERCAM is operational and provides for an overall revision of the vehicle fleet to achieve zero-emission urban logistics.

FERCAM has launched a project in Rome for the distribution of goods with zero-emission. The aim is, within two years, well in advance of the targets established at Community level, to carry out 100% of the distribution within the "Green Belt" of the capital only with eco-sustainable means.
ROME is the first city where FERCAM launched the EMISSION FREE-DELIVERY pilot project (zero-emission distribution). This "Green Belt" of 150 square km, within the Grande Raccordo Anulare, covers a large part of the surface of Rome and delimits the territory within which traffic restrictions apply, in cases of emergency due to exceeding the pollution thresholds established by legislation.
“We know that our choices can have significant consequences in terms of sustainability; in our 2020-25 strategy, attention to the environment is in fact one of the points of great centrality, transversal to all business areas and the basis for various development projects", is convinced Dino Menichetti, Regional Manager of FERCAM and project coordinator within the 2025 STRATEGY.
Unlike traditional express couriers, FERCAM distributes a type of goods with the highest average gross weight per shipment, which in Rome stands at 125 kg. The most suitable vehicle for the company's production cycle is the tractor, which has a greater capacity than the van, but its dimensions do not allow it to be used in the narrow streets of the center. This is why a new vehicle has been designed on a 72 quintal natural gas chassis, which will have smaller dimensions than the classic tractor and a payload 5 times higher than that of vans, thanks to which the total number of vehicles circulating is reduced with effect doubly beneficial: reduced emissions thanks to methane fueling and less traffic on the streets of the city. The replacement of diesel vehicles with CNG or LNG methane vehicles also involves the 300 daily connections between the Italian branches of FERCAM and the 82 daily connections with Europe.
CNR-ITAE will also provide support for the verification of the requirements for Industry 4.0 and Transition 4.0 and the possible synergies of the proposed interventions with the mobility plans and any other programming tools (local or national), in addition to the certification of emissions reduction.
ROME is the first city where FERCAM launched the EMISSION FREE-DELIVERY pilot project (zero-emission distribution). This "Green Belt" of 150 square km, within the Grande Raccordo Anulare, covers a large part of the surface of Rome and delimits the territory within which traffic restrictions apply, in cases of emergency due to exceeding the pollution thresholds established by legislation.
“We know that our choices can have significant consequences in terms of sustainability; in our 2020-25 strategy, attention to the environment is in fact one of the points of great centrality, transversal to all business areas and the basis for various development projects", is convinced Dino Menichetti, Regional Manager of FERCAM and project coordinator within the 2025 STRATEGY.
A green fleet for zero-emission urban logistics
The pilot project envisages the conversion of the diesel and LPG fleet with electric and methane vehicles. Currently, the only electric vehicles commercially available for urban distribution are vans with a capacity of less than 35 quintals, used for the delivery of smaller shipments within the Historic Center and the restricted traffic zone. They are equipped with an innovative electric motor that guarantees high energy efficiency and low wear, very important characteristics in the presence of journeys with frequent intermediate stops or in the intense traffic of the city center. They also guarantee asignificant reduction of noise emissions, with positive effects on the well-being of fellow citizens.Unlike traditional express couriers, FERCAM distributes a type of goods with the highest average gross weight per shipment, which in Rome stands at 125 kg. The most suitable vehicle for the company's production cycle is the tractor, which has a greater capacity than the van, but its dimensions do not allow it to be used in the narrow streets of the center. This is why a new vehicle has been designed on a 72 quintal natural gas chassis, which will have smaller dimensions than the classic tractor and a payload 5 times higher than that of vans, thanks to which the total number of vehicles circulating is reduced with effect doubly beneficial: reduced emissions thanks to methane fueling and less traffic on the streets of the city. The replacement of diesel vehicles with CNG or LNG methane vehicles also involves the 300 daily connections between the Italian branches of FERCAM and the 82 daily connections with Europe.
Agreement with the National Research Council (CNR) and with the Institute of Advanced Technologies for Energy (ITAE)
In support of the initiatives launched, FERCAM has recently signed an agreement with the CNR-ITAE, thus being able to make use of the maximum national expertise for consultancy on the design and construction of zero-emission vehicles BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and FCHEV hydrogen (Fuel Cell Hybdrid Electric Vehicle), and production plants from RES (Renewable Energy Source), storage and distribution of alternative fuels (EE - Green Electricity / H2 - Green Hydrogen).CNR-ITAE will also provide support for the verification of the requirements for Industry 4.0 and Transition 4.0 and the possible synergies of the proposed interventions with the mobility plans and any other programming tools (local or national), in addition to the certification of emissions reduction.