First 50 of its LNG-fueled tractors in 2011
Heckmann Water Resources now has 104 LNG-fueled tractors hauling process water in the Haynesville (western Louisiana and East Texas) and Barnett (north central Texas) natural gas shale plays, according to Brett Quigley, Heckmann Corp director of operations. All of the tractors have the 15-liter Westport GX engine. The oilfield operator bought the first 50 of its LNG-fueled tractors in 2011.
Hoopes Transport, Ulysses PA, now uses 15 Peterbilt tractors with the LNG-fueled 15-liter Westport GX engine to haul frack water, oversized loads, box containers on chassis, and other cargoes in Pennsylvania and other parts of the Northeast. The fleet operator also bought several portable LNG fueling units and has four more on order.
Genox Transportation Inc, a LaPorte TX cryogenic gas carrier, now has five LNG transports serving LNG fueling locations in California. The tractors were specified with the 15-liter Cummins Westport GX engine. The MC338 cryogenic trailers have a 13,000-gallon capacity and were built by Alloy Custom Products Inc.
Eagle Transport Corp, a Rocky Mount NC petroleum hauler, is taking its first steps into LNG transportation with the purchase of four LNG cryogenic trailers. The carrier also plans to purchase natural gas-fueled tractors for the new LNG distribution business.
Looking back on what has happened with natural gas as a vehicle fuel over the past several years, John W Somerhalder II, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of AGL Resources, said “It’s amazing how far we have come, and we are seeing tremendous interest in natural gas as a vehicle fuel. Look at all of the obstacles that have fallen away. I am optimistic about the future, and I believe the natural gas-fueled vehicle market will be at the higher range of current estimates.