Congratulations to Aberdeen City Council and Fleet Manager Willie Whyte for winning the Local Authority Fleet Operator of the Year at the Transport News Scottish Rewards in November 2019.
Aberdeen City Council is a major customer of Geesinknorba in the UK and its fleet includes twenty Geesink GPM IV Split-lift RCVs with a further eight on order, including the hybrid LI-ON Power RCV.
Aberdeen is a pioneer in hydrogen vehicles. It has one of the largest hydrogen fleets in Europe and two refuelling stations. The city’s hydrogen fleet already includes two dual fuel hydrogen-diesel Geesinknorba RCVs, which were converted from standard diesel chassis to run on both diesel and hydrogen. We are also delighted to have been chosen to supply the UK’s first hydrogen fuel cell RCV to Aberdeen as part of the EU’s HECTOR project.
Geesinknorba’s regional business manager Colin McMorine said: ‘We are delighted to see Aberdeen City Council win this prestigious award. Aberdeen’s fleet services is a forward-thinking, exciting department that has really led the way in sustainable solutions for municipal fleets. We have worked closely with Willie and his team for several years, and we are looking forward to partnering with the council on the HECTOR project to show the potential of hydrogen in the waste sector. Congratulations to everyone involved for this fantastic achievement.’
Fleet manager Willie Whyte, who won the same award in 2006 as fleet manager for Angus Council, described the win as a very proud moment for everyone’, saying it is the culmination of three years’ work.
‘The investment and support of Aberdeen City Council has enabled fleet services to provide an excellent workshop environment and facility which has included increased technical training for workshop staff, investment in fleet vehicles, and investment in technology to improving efficiencies. This award is for all the fleet team and reflects the spirit that has changed and grown during the journey.’
