Astra LT AB has launched the serial production of its highly anticipated Advanced Road Tanker. After years of research and development, spearheaded by a close collaboration between Astra LT AB and its “FTD LT” Cluster EXPO Group partners “Nordic Stainless Steel Tanks LT” and “Termosnaigė ir ko”, the company is currently manufacturing multiple units of its groundbreaking road tanker—a move that is poised to redefine the standards of transporting temperature-sensitive and high-purity goods across Europe.
This historic moment comes after years of intense research and collaboration within the “Food Technologies Digitalization LT” cluster, where top engineers, digital specialists, and industry experts worked tirelessly to bring this cutting-edge design to life. Now, Astra LT AB Advanced Road Tanker is not only a testament to Lithuanian engineering excellence but also a symbol of how collaboration can lead to breakthrough innovations.
The Advanced Road Tanker represents the pinnacle of tanker technology in Europe. Weighing in at just 6,130 kg, this 3-section, 30 m³ pressure-less tanker is engineered with one goal in mind: to be the most lightweight and technically advanced solution for transporting temperature-sensitive and high-purity goods across European roads. By incorporating cutting-edge technology, Astra LT AB has managed to build a road tanker that reduces weight without sacrificing strength or durability—offering significant benefits to transportation companies looking to cut fuel costs and improve efficiency.
Really lightweight
Only 6,130 kg is quite impressive for a 3-section 30 m³ pressure-less tanker equipped with a hygienic/air pressure unloading system. Every element is designed to reduce weight, chosen using weight criteria. Optimized sub chassis and tank body design, aluminium bumpers, adjustable aluminium feet, aluminium rims, an aluminium service platform, aluminium air spring supports, top-quality JOST DCA AIRMASTER axles engineered by Mercedes-Benz, with integrated braking system, pressure vessels and much more. Even Goodyear Fuel Max tyres have been chosen using weight criteria.
Perfectly insulated
Advanced Road Tanker is insulated by a monolithic 110 mm layer of new, 5th generation environmentally friendly polyurethane. Fully closed pores ensure nearly no moisture absorption and the best thermal insulation properties there are. All 3 manholes and zones around them also carefully insulated. The extensive effort put into the insulation have yielded great results: the overall coefficient of heat transfer K is 0.360 W/m2K.
Made from Duplex stainless steel
Most food-grade road tankers are made from austenitic stainless steel. Astra LT AB and “FTD LT” Cluster EXPO Group engineers decided to go one step further and develop the tanker from Lean Duplex steel. This steel outperforms austenitic AISI 316 stainless steel in terms of corrosion resistance, but also has better mechanical properties, allowing for weight optimization. Automated welding and weld planishing technology have been specially developed for Lean Duplex steel in order to ensure quality welding and high productivity.
Probably best in class
Astra LT AB experts did their best in order to avoid sub-chassis corrosion—even in the intense winter weather of Nordic countries. Road salt is not a problem any more. Advanced Road Tanker’s sub-chassis is engineered from high-strength Swedish S700 steel and prepared for coating using the offshore gas and oil platform coating philosophy. The internal side of every single external sharp edge has been rounded down to R2, double ball blasted, then given a multilayer KTL coating, an additional layer of varnish, and a final layer of environmentally friendly Canadian developed KROWN anticorrosion treatment. Hot dip galvanized fastenings, anodized aluminium and stainless-steel components: all this truly makes our tanker better in terms of corrosion and rust-free operation, durability and reliability.
This production multiple units of the latest Advanced Road Tanker models is just the start of Astra LT AB and the “FTD” Cluster’s commitment to revolutionizing the transport industry with its new Advanced Road Tanker. The company is poised to increase production in the coming months, scaling up its export capabilities. European clients, in particular, are showing strong interest in this innovative tanker, drawn by its advanced features and unmatched fuel efficiency.
As Astra LT AB and its partners moves further with the tankers production, its sights are set on exporting this technological marvel to new markets, with an emphasis on countries where efficiency, sustainability, and reduced operating costs are becoming increasingly critical. Early feedback from potential customers is overwhelmingly positive, with many eagerly awaiting the opportunity to integrate the Advanced Road Tanker into their fleets. The demand for efficient, lightweight solutions in the transportation industry is greater than ever, and Astra LT AB is ready to meet it head-on.
Moreover, the company’s collaboration with its “Food Technologies Digitalization LT” Cluster EXPO Group partners “Nordic Stainless Steel Tanks LT” and “Termosnaigė ir ko” is a shining example of how cross-sector partnerships can fuel innovation and transform industries. This partnership isn’t just about developing a product—it’s about reshaping how industries work together to tackle challenges and push boundaries.
The project “Development of export markets and strengthening of internationalization of the FTD LT cluster” is implemented under the Progress Facility of the European Union Funds for the period 2021-2027, Development Programme 2022-2030.
