Shell, TravelCenters of America Plan for LNG Stations for Truckers

Under a pending agreement with TravelCenters of America, Shell would construct more than 200 liquefied natural gas fuel lanes at 100 TA and Petro Shopping Centers.

June 11, 2012

HOUSTON - Shell and TravelCenters of America LLC (TA) are planning to sell liquefied natural gas (LNG) to heavy-duty road transport customers in the U.S. through TA's existing nationwide network of full-service fueling centers.

Pending final agreements, the proposed plans include constructing more than 200 LNG fuel lanes at about 100 TA sites and Petro Stopping Centers throughout the U.S. interstate highway system. If a final agreement is reached, the first of the LNG fuel lanes are expected to become operational in 2013.

"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," said Elen Phillips, vice president of Shell Fuels Sales & Marketing North America.

Demand for innovative fuels, like LNG fuel, from heavy-duty road transport customers is growing due, in part, to the wide range of benefits for trucking fleet operators. These benefits can include lower fuel costs and improved local air quality from reduced emissions at the point of use, particularly nitrogen oxide as well as reduced noise levels.

The agreement with TA, the largest full-service truck stop chain in the US, represents the next phase for Shell in its plan to provide trucking fleet customers in North America with a robust fueling infrastructure. Last year, Shell announced it would sell LNG to its heavy-duty fleet customers at select Flying J truck stops in Alberta, Canada beginning in 2012.

The first LNG retail plaza in Calgary is expected to open this year. Both these announcements help demonstrate how Shell is moving forward in its strategy to develop a global downstream LNG fuel sales business for commercial customers in the truck sector but also other growth areas notably marine, mining and rail.

Read more about LNG and learn more about what fuels you could be selling in a recently released NACS white paper: "The Future of Fuels: An Analysis of Future Energy Trends and Potential Retail Market Opportunities."