The research is being conducted by a joint team of scientists from the Department of Marine Engineering at the Faculty of Marine Technology and Natural Sciences of KU and KU Marine Research Institute led by Professor Sergejus Lebedevas, Dr. Habil. The specialists will continuously record the operational performance data of the rolling stock and compare it with the results obtained from the use of conventional diesel fuel.
Contribution to European Union’s decarbonization goals
The research is being conducted in collaboration with LTG Group, which in 2025 initiated a new pilot project unique in Lithuania, this time aiming to assess whether paraffin diesel fuel is suitable and safe for continuous use in railway rolling stock.
“We see the HVO project as a significant professional challenge for the joint team of scientists from the Faculty of Marine Technology and Natural Sciences and the Marine Research Institute at Klaipėda University. Although we have long-term experience in the field of renewable, low-carbon fuels and alternative energy technology research, this project stands out for its scope and importance. The test program developed in cooperation between KU and LTG, which is crucial to the success of the project, is unique and has no comparable equivalent: it covers all main types of LTG rolling stock, includes tests under real operating conditions throughout all seasons, and allows for comparative studies of the energy, ecological, and operational indicators of engines with conventional petroleum-based diesel fuel and assesses technological maintenance and servicing regulations.
Mathematical modelling studies of the HVO combustion cycle have also been planned. The team’s goals and efforts in the project are linked to the technological basis for the continuous use of HVO in the country’s railways. Regular professional contacts and mutual interest between KU and LTG specialists give us hope for successful implementation of project objectives,” says the project’s academic supervisor KU Professor Sergejus Lebedevas, Dr. Habil.
The uniqueness of the tests – under real conditions
According to Prof. Dr. Habil. S. Lebedevas, one of the main features of this project is that some of the tests are carried out under real train operating conditions, rather than just on laboratory test benches, as is usually the case when assessing the impact of fuel on engine performance. Traditionally, such tests are carried out by engine manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce, in laboratories under stationary conditions. Meanwhile, the tests planned by KU scientists with the Pesa 730ML passenger train include transitional modes and variable loads that are typical of real train movement. Such tests allow for a more accurate assessment of the impact of fuel on rolling stock systems and pose significant technological challenges.
The 18-month tests are being conducted on three rolling stock units: the Pesa 730 passenger train, which has already departed from Vilnius railway station, the TEM TMH shunting locomotive, which runs to Vaidotai, and, in a few months, Siemens mainline locomotive by LTG Cargo will be included as well.
“Railways are one of the most sustainable means of transport for both passengers and freight. However, its environmental impact can be reduced even further. Paraffinic HVO diesel fuel, produced from renewable raw materials, is significantly more sustainable and emits up to 90% less greenhouse gases (GHG) during its life cycle compared to fossil diesel fuel. This trial will assess its technical properties, environmental impact, and effects on rolling stock systems. Once the trial is complete, we will consider its potential use in other rolling stock owned by LTG Group companies,” says Egidijus Lazauskas, CEO of LTG Group.
Test results – for practicable solutions
The test results will be directly used to decide on the scope of HVO100 fuel use across the entire LTG rolling stock fleet.
“This cooperation with LTG Group embodies the university’s mission to be a partner for progress in addressing the most important challenges facing society and the state. By scientifically evaluating the impact of innovative fuels on transport systems, we are contributing to the development of a sustainable Lithuanian economy and the achievement of national and European green goals,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas, KU Rector.
This new, unique diesel fuel and pilot project were presented to the public and the media for the first time on July 28, 2025, at Vilnius railway station. The presentation event was attended by Eugenijus Sabutis, Minister of Transport, Egidijus Lazauskas, CEO of LTG Group, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laura Šaltytė-Vaisiauskė, KU Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation, and representatives of Neste, who emphasized the strategic importance of this step in implementing sustainable solutions in the Lithuanian transport system.
Guests had the opportunity to learn about the properties of the new fuel and watch the departure of the first passenger train powered by HVO100 fuel. The event also presented the scientific objectives of the project and the technological challenges being analyzed by the team of researchers at Klaipėda University, who are seeking to assess the environmental impact of this fuel and its potential applications in Lithuanian railways.
