TIP Group supports P&O Ferrymasters with refurbishment of 304 trailers

Is refurbishment the answer to fleet lifetime extension while meeting rising operational demands and sustainability goals? As companies face rising operational costs and increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, trailer refurbishment has become an attractive solution for fleet operators. Rather than buying new trailers, which involves high costs and long procurement cycles, refurbishment offers a smarter, more cost-effective and sustainable way to extend the life of existing assets. In this case study, we take a look at TIP’s collaboration with P&O Ferrymasters to refurbish 304 trailers.  

The customer: P&O Ferrymasters 

P&O Ferrymasters is a leading pan-European end to end multimodal transport and logistics company. P&O Ferrymasters is actively exploring alternative fuel types and transport optimization tools to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of its operations. As part of this commitment, refurbishing the fleet of trailers leased from TIP Group—some of which have been in service since 2015—has become a priority. This initiative aims to drastically cut CO2 emissions while enhancing sustainability, reliability, and performance across their logistics operations. 

P&O Ferrymasters recognize the responsibility they hold in reducing the environmental impact of their transport operations. “Through our commitment to sustainable solutions, we focus on minimizing our carbon footprint and aligning our operations with eco-friendly practices. From transitioning to multimodal transport to exploring alternative fuels, sustainability is integral to every aspect of our business strategy. This trailer refurbishment project represents a proactive step in our mission to reduce CO2 emissions and promote a circular economy by extending the lifespan of our assets” shares Mike Shannon, COO Logistics & Landside. 

The solution: refurbishment of 304 trailers 

P&O Ferrymasters collaborated with TIP Group to refurbish 304 trailers, achieving a significant lifetime extension and reducing their environmental footprint. This initiative not only aligned with P&O Ferrymasters’ sustainability goals but also improved operational efficiency and optimized asset utilization. By refurbishing these trailers, P&O Ferrymasters projected to prevent approximately 1,732.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions, underscoring the substantial environmental benefits of this initiative. 

Mike said "By refurbishing the trailers in collaboration with TIP Group, P&O Ferrymasters realizes a significant lifetime extension and reduces our environmental footprint. This initiative aligns perfectly with our sustainability strategy, allowing us to reuse existing assets rather than discarding them, ultimately enhancing sustainability. We are proud to partner with TIP Group in this endeavour, showcasing our commitment to more sustainable logistics solutions."  

He further emphasized the tangible environmental benefits of the initiative: “This refurbishment initiative has a direct impact on our P&O Ferrymasters carbon footprint, preventing approximately 1,732.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions.” Highlight the operational advantages, he added, “Not only has this improved our environmental impact, but the performance and reliability of our refurbished trailers have been exceptional. With the support of TIP Group’s expertise, these assets meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency, ensuring we continue to deliver uninterrupted services across Europe.” 

According to Jan van Vugt, TIP Group’s Global Maintenance and Development Director, "Many of our clients are facing challenges related to maintaining the reliability of their fleets while keeping costs under control. Larger customers are also increasingly focused on reducing their carbon footprint as part of their broader ESG strategies. One of the key challenges is how to keep trailers operationally efficient without the financial and environmental cost of constantly replacing them. This is where refurbishment really makes a difference. It’s not only about keeping the trailers looking good, but also about ensuring they remain roadworthy and dependable, which is crucial for maintaining an uninterrupted workflow." 

Refurbishment as a strategic opportunity 

P&O Ferrymasters’ refurbishment included a mix of optical and technical updates, tailored to extend trailer life without the full costs associated with new acquisitions. The refurbishment project, which involved comprehensive mechanical updates as well as aesthetic improvements on, took approximately 7 months – an important consideration for fleet managers. 

Building on P&O Ferrymasters' sustainability goals, Jan emphasizes the added value of refurbishment for clients looking for both financial and environmental benefits: 

"Refurbishment is about smarter spending and sustainability—trailer lifetime extension, cutting costs, and reducing emissions, all while keeping your fleet performing at its best," Jan explains. He adds, "Refurbishment is often a more financially and environmentally responsible choice than replacement. This is especially true for clients who need to extend the operational life of their trailers while also reducing carbon emissions. With P&O Ferrymasters, the refurbishment process was not just about cosmetic changes but also about ensuring that trailers were equipped with the necessary upgrades to meet operational and regulatory standards." 

What can you expect from TIP Group’s refurbishment services? 

TIP Group’s refurbishment services cater to a wide range of needs and can be tailored based on the condition of the trailer and client objectives. There are three types of refurbishment: 

• Cosmetics upgrades: Cosmetics upgrades involves refreshing the trailer's exterior and branding. It can include new curtains, paintwork, reflective tape, and signage. This type of refurbishment helps maintain the professional appearance of the fleet, which is often important for clients looking to maintain their brand image during contract extensions. 

• Technical refurbishment: Technical refurbishment extends beyond mere aesthetics, focusing on key mechanical and operational components to ensure the trailer remains reliable and roadworthy. The refurbishment can include axle replacements, suspension upgrades, and brake system updates—crucial aspects for keeping the fleet operational without unplanned downtime. 

• Full overhaul: The most extensive of the three options, a full overhaul replaces all critical components, including axles, brake systems, and even flooring. This process essentially brings a trailer to a "like-new" condition, ready for another lifecycle of use, which could last up to eight to ten years. This approach is ideal for fleet owners looking to maximize the lifespan of their assets and drastically reduce maintenance requirements. 

Throughout the refurbishment process, TIP has offered trailer replacements to P&O Ferrymasters, minimizing downtime and ensuring that their logistics operations remain uninterrupted. 

Commenting on the partnership, Mike said “Working with TIP Group was seamless and efficient. Their team brought expertise and dedication to the refurbishment process, keeping us informed and ensuring replacement trailers were available whenever needed. This minimized downtime and allowed us to extend our fleet’s lifespan without compromising on quality or service. We're proud to partner with a company that shares our commitment to sustainable, efficient logistics solutions.”  

Specialized trailer refurbishment 

TIP Group’s refurbishment services go beyond standard curtainsiders trailers. They also encompass specialized equipment, such as tankers. As Jan notes: 

"We do a lot with tankers because the tank barrel is often the most expensive part, but it can last for 20 years without a problem. So, in these cases, we replace the running gear, paint, and check all the valves and seals, ensuring the tank is like new again. For special haulage trailers, some of them have a specific license attached — licenses that can’t be obtained anymore. In these cases, refurbishment can be more expensive than buying a new trailer because keeping the trailer with the license is critical for operations." 

This tailored refurbishment keeps specialized trailers operational longer, allowing clients to meet specific transport needs efficiently. Replacing critical components while keeping the original tank or specialized features intact not only ensures continued roadworthiness but also supports sustainability by reusing major parts rather than starting from scratch. 

TIP refurbishment services 

Trailer refurbishment is increasingly recognized as a strategic, sustainable alternative to buying new equipment. TIP Group's experience with clients like P&O Ferrymasters highlights the effectiveness of this approach for reducing the need for significant capital expenditures on new units, minimizing environmental impact, and maintaining fleet reliability. 

At TIP, we offer two flexible refurbishment solutions to meet your fleet needs: 

• Refurb & Lease: Customers can lease or rent refurbished TIP assets at attractive rates. This option is ideal for clients looking to extend or renew contracts with refurbished units, offering fast deployment, reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), and sustainability gains through lower CO2 emissions. 

• Sale & Leaseback: We purchase, refurbish, and lease back your assets, freeing up capital while ensuring business continuity with full-service agreements that minimize maintenance risks and improve asset quality. 

Explore how TIP can assist you in optimizing your fleet assets and achieving your sustainability goals: https://www.tip-group.com/en/refurbishment