TravelCenters Teams With Shell to Offer LNG

HOUSTON -- TravelCenters of America LLC (TA) has inked a deal to sell Royal Dutch Shell plc and its affiliate-branded liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the United States via its network of truck stops.

According to Shell, TA will construct more than 200 fuel lanes at 100 TA- and Petro-branded sites, pending final agreements. The first of the new LNG lanes are expected to become operational in 2013.

"Using natural gas for transport gives truck fleet operators a new strong advantage because it's abundant and affordable and a viable alternative to diesel," said Elen Phillips, vice president, Shell fuels sales & marketing North America."This potential alliance with TA would enable Shell to deliver LNG fuel to customers who want a competitively priced fuel option to help them meet increasingly stringent air quality emission standards."

The oil company added that demand for LNG by heavy-duty road transport customers is increasing due to several of its benefits, including lower fuel costs, reduced emissions and decreased noise levels.

"Shell sees great potential for LNG as a fuel option among our range of quality fuels, due to the sheer abundance and affordability of domestic natural gas in North America. Where it makes sense and where there is customer demand, we will innovate to deliver LNG as an additional fuel offer to our customers across America," said Phillips.

Shell announced a similar Canadian agreement with Pilot Flying J last year. The LNG Pilot Flying J retail plaza as part of that deal is expected to open in Calgary, Alberta, this year, Shell said.