TravelCenters of America, Shell to Partner on Natural Gas Fueling Network

WESTLAKE, Ohio -- TravelCenters of America LLC (TA) and Shell Oil Products U.S. signed a definitive agreement to build and operate a network of natural gas fueling lanes at TravelCenters locations along the U.S. Interstate Highway System.

The pact calls for Shell to build at least two natural gas fueling lanes for large over-the-road trucks and related storage capacity at up to 100 TA and Petro Stopping Center locations, at Shell's cost, within several years.

Shell will also supply natural gas fuel to these locations, and Shell and TA will separately market natural gas fuel to their respective customers.

The agreement's focus is on liquid natural gas (LNG). However, TA said it will monitor customer demand for natural gas fuels and could add compressed natural gas (CNG) to its plans.

"I am pleased to have finalized an agreement between TA and Shell for natural gas fueling. The agreement, for TA, represents a prudent approach to an emerging market. Over time, TA believes natural gas will become a significant fuel for the trucking industry," said Thomas M. O'Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters of America. "Both TA and Shell have been working diligently on site selection, and I am hopeful that our first locations may be operational within one year's time."

Westlake, Ohio-based TravelCenters of America operates 244 TA and Petro Stopping Center travel centers in 41 states and Canada.