Shell and TravelCenters of America LLC (TA) have finalized an agreement to develop a US nationwide network of liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling centers for heavy-duty trucking customers.
The plan calls for at least two LNG fueling lanes and bulk storage capacity at up to 100 existing TA and Petro Stopping Centers branded full service truck stops along the US interstate highway system. Construction and opening of the LNG stations will be done in a phased approach. Pending customary approvals, it is anticipated that the first of these stations will be operational in roughly one year’s time with a priority to develop the main trucking corridors to provide the potential for the first-ever coast-to-coast LNG-fueled commercial transport network.
“Shell is investing now in the infrastructure that will bring this innovative, cost-competitive, and environmentally beneficial fuel to our customers,” Elen Phillips, vice-president, Shell Fuels Sales & Marketing Americas, during an April 15 press conference . “We are leveraging our strength as an integrated company to produce, liquefy, distribute, and commercialize natural gas in transport, and TravelCenters of America is the ideal partner to help us bring this vision to life.”
Demand for fuels, like LNG, that offer an option over diesel is growing due to the wide range of benefits for truck fleet operators. These benefits can include lower fuel costs, reduce emissions, and lower noise levels in certain engines.
Shell has been working to develop the LNG-for-transport market globally. Last year, the company announced its intention to collaborate with TA and the finalization of that agreement is a major step toward making LNG fuels a reality for the US heavy duty road customers, according to Phillips. Shell also is developing LNG stations at Flying J truck stops in Alberta, Canada--the first of which opened this year.
In March, Shell announced it will invest in two small-scale LNG production units that form the basis of two new LNG transport corridors in the Great Lakes and Gulf Coast regions that will provide LNG to marine and heavy duty road customers. This brings the total to three planned Shell LNG production units dedicated to transport in North America.