Trucking company tests liquefied natural gas fuel
Bison Transport is partnering with Shell Canada, which is opening LNG fueling stations in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton
For the first time in Canada, testing is underway on a type of fuel that could bring big changes to the trucking industry.
A trucking company is running some of its fleet in Calgary on LNG — otherwise known as liquefied natural gas.
Trevor Fridfinnson with Bison Transport says LNG is a significant change from using diesel.
The company expects to spend 30 per cent less on fuel with LNG trucks compared to diesel, and produce 30 per cent fewer emissions.
"It's good for people to have the general awareness about what our industry is doing in terms of being sustainable and being progressive from an environmental standpoint," said Fridfinnson.
Driver Matt Geib says the engine has just as much power and speed.
"A lot quieter than a diesel truck — honestly, that's about it," he said.
Bison is partnering with Shell Canada on the project. Shell is opening LNG fueling stations in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton.
The fuel stations are also a worldwide first for Shell. With low natural gas prices these days, company officials say projects like this make good financial sense.
"This is just the start, but we're pretty excited about the start," said Bob Taylor, manager of LNG Business Development at Shell. "We think there is a fair ways for this to go."