Shell to deploy 15 LNG-fired tractors

Shell Oil has signed an agreement with Ryder System to deploy 15 liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered Class 8 tractors to support Shell’s oil and gas logistics operations in Lafayette, LA, and Houston, TX.

Ryder, which has served as Shell’s logistics provider for 10 years, currently manages road transportation for Shell’s freight hauling activities across its U.S. exploration and production activities, including a dedicated fleet that directly supports its Gulf of Mexico operations.

Ryder said these new 15 LNG-fueled tractors will replace diesel-powered vehicles in the existing fleet and will be serviced out of Ryder’s Lafayette, LA, facility, which is being engineered to comply with natural gas maintenance shop rules, the company noted.

As part of this initiative, Ryder has signed a five-year fuel agreement with Shell to provide LNG fuel for its dedicated natural gas fleet.

Dan Flynn, Shell’s VP of logistics, added in a statement that his company worked with Ryder to develop a weight-sensitive tractor specification in order to maximize freight revenue while assuring durability and operability in the field.