The Hague-based energy giant Shell on Monday opened its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck refuelling station in Belgium.
The station is located in Herstal, Liège near the three-border point at the E313, a key route for international road freight.
It has a capacity of 3.5 KT of LNG and can supply 150 trucks with LNG daily, according to a Shell statement.
Shell said it sees a mosaic of fuels and engines developing for road transport and believes LNG has a significant role to play as a solution for heavy-duty road transport.
Road transport companies are increasingly choosing LNG fuel as it offers both financial and environmental benefits in comparison to conventional diesel.
LNG is cleaner-burning than diesel and produces less sulfur, particulates and nitrogen oxides. Moreover, it also contributes reducing noise pollution and can help lower CO2 emissions, the statement notes.
Shell already has 7 LNG stations in the Netherlands (Rotterdam, Waalwijk, Amsterdam, Pijnacker, Waddinxveen, Eindhoven and Heerenveen) and intends to open further LNG stations in Europe over the next 12 months, the company said.
“LNG fuel is an important option for transport companies,” Laurent Charlot , Commercial Director, Shell Belgium said in the statement.
“We expect demand for LNG to grow and continue to work with truck manufacturers, customers and policymakers to promote the use of LNG as a cleaner-burning and more affordable transport fuel,” Charlot said.