The UK’s first digitally integrated, zero-emission freight corridor
Proving that cleaner logistics are faster, cheaper, and more resilient.
The UK’s freight system is entering a defining moment in its transition to net zero. With rising demand for greener supply chains and stricter low-emission targets, Heriot-Watt University and partners are building a first-of-its-kind corridor where real-world pilots meet digital intelligence.
This initiative will position the UK as a testbed for sustainable logistics, proving how industry, technology, and policy can combine to deliver cleaner, more efficient freight systems at scale.
Why zero-carbon logistics can’t wait
The opportunity is vast. Logistics contributes over a third of UK transport emissions, yet the transition to net zero in freight has barely begun. The Zero-Carbon Freight Corridor will show how emissions can be cut dramatically while building resilience and competitiveness across supply chains.
- Zero-emission freight could cut millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually
DfT, 2024
- Digital optimisation can reduce fleet costs by up to 20% while boosting reliability
UKRI, 2025
- Freight electrification and hydrogen adoption could create 30,000+ new UK jobs
Green Jobs Taskforce, 2024
The time to act is now, and the corridor is designed to make it happen.
Building the foundations
Momentum is already building. Through pioneering research, live datasets, and partnerships, Heriot-Watt is demonstrating how freight innovation can deliver measurable impact. With the right collaboration and investment, we can take these early breakthroughs to scale.
Here are some of the standout building blocks already in place:
- TRANSIT Hub Digital Twin
A national modelling platform simulating freight flows, testing net-zero scenarios, and de-risking investment in cleaner logistics.
- EPSRC & UKRI Freight Projects
Advancing next-generation decarbonisation technologies across hydrogen, electrification, and digital optimisation.
- City-Logistics Data Sets
Real-world insights that are already shaping how goods move through urban environments.
Designed for partnership
The Zero-Carbon Freight Corridor is designed for those who want to accelerate change. We’re inviting hauliers, OEMs, policymakers, tech innovators, and investors to co-locate, co-invest and co-innovate with us.
- Hauliers & 3PLs: Trial zero-emission fleets and optimise operations.
- OEMs & Tech Suppliers: Deploy vehicles, batteries, and digital platforms.
- Government & Local Councils: Enable cleaner logistics through LEZ policies and infrastructure.
- Ports, Airports & Rail Hubs: Integrate sustainable freight flows across modes.
- Investors: Back scalable, resilient opportunities in next-generation transport.
Delivering real-world impact
This isn’t just about technology trials. It’s about proving outcomes that can be replicated nationwide:
- Live corridor pilots: Test and scale zero-emission fleets, charging and refuelling hubs.
- Digital twin optimisation: Showcase real-time insights to reduce costs and emissions.
- Policy blueprints: Publish actionable strategies for LEZ freight and national logistics.
- Start-up accelerator: Fast-track commercial solutions into market-ready businesses.
By bringing research, enterprise and industry together, we can transform logistics into a competitive advantage for the UK.
Get in touch
Join the corridor pilot
Be part of the UK’s zero-carbon logistics testbed. Trial your fleet or technology in a live zero-emission environment.
Share your data
Feed into the digital twin and unlock insights that optimise routes, fleets, and infrastructure.
Co-fund and invest
Scale infrastructure, start-ups, and commercial pilots that will shape tomorrow’s logistics.