LNG-powered barge, Greenstream,
on the Rhine river in central Europe.
As a transport fuel, LNG has the potential to provide economic and environmental benefits to operators of ships and heavy-duty truck owners. Some ocean-going LNG carrier ships have used it as a fuel for more than 45 years and we are now bringing its benefits to other types of transport. When used as a fuel, LNG can lower emissions of sulphur, particulates and nitrogen oxides, compared to other marine fuels. It can also extend range of travel and help reduce fuel bills.
While we think the pace of growth is more moderate than previously expected, we see long-term demand potential in this sector and continue to explore multiple capital-efficient projects which we feel offer us and our customers the best commercial value.
Shell is the first customer of new, dedicated LNG for transport infrastructure at the Gas Access to Europe (Gate) terminal at the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Shell plans to build a specialised LNG bunker vessel to supply LNG-fuelled vessels in northwest Europe. The new vessel will be based at the port of Rotterdam.
In 2013, the Travel Centres of America and Shell signed an agreement to develop a network of LNG fuel stations for heavy-duty road transport. The first LNG fuel lanes resulting from this agreement were opened in May 2014. Shell also operates one LNG fuelling station in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The acquisition of Gasnor, the Norwegian company which provides LNG fuel for ships and industrial customers, in 2012 and the launch of the world’s first 100% LNG-powered barges to carry goods along Europe’s Rhine river are further examples of Shell’s confidence in LNG as a fuel.
