LNG for transport

LNG for transport

LNG is cheaper than diesel and has strong environmental benefits.

Why use LNG for transport

LNG saves money and cuts emissions

For decades, diesel has been the default option for vehicle fleets. But all that is changing. Now there are other, better choices on the market that give the same performance in terms of power, acceleration, and cruising speed, but with added financial and environmental benefits.

LNG is typically 10-25% cheaper than diesel⁷ giving lower running costs over medium to long distances and the lowest total cost of ownership compared to conventional fuels. It also has strong environmental benefits that improve air quality in cities. LNG-powered trucks have comparable performance to diesel vehicles in terms of power, acceleration and cruising speed, but can cut CO2 by between 10% and 20%⁸, dependent upon duty cycle and vehicle type. LNG is not just for land-based vehicles but, with the growth of emission control areas (ECAs), LNG is also becoming an increasingly popular marine fuel⁹. It is a proven energy source, which is affordable, performs well and offers 24% more energy output per tonne than heavy fuel oil. It is also reassuring to know that the technology used for LNG vehicles is mature and safe. And with governments increasingly turning to domestic inland waterways to boost transport efficiency, LNG is considered one of the most promising alternative fuels in the transition to clean transport in shipping¹⁰.

Benefits of LNG for transport

As well as cutting CO2 emissions, the combustion of LNG also releases significantly less NOx and SOx and virtually no ash or particulates. Furthermore, incorporating a LIN system into the installation design prevents venting of LNG into the atmosphere when pressure needs to be reduced within the LNG tank. Emissions savings can be tracked. And, importantly, as LNG evaporates rapidly when exposed to air, it leaves no residue on water or soil.

LNG is both non-toxic and non-corrosive. Its high combustion temperature of 650°C, more than twice that of diesel, means that it cannot spontaneously combust. Additional safety measures, such as gas and flame detectors and automatic shutdown when the ignition is off, are also integrated into the installation design.

LNG stations are designed with maximum flexibility. They have storage capacity that is in line with the estimated traffic, have short installation times and can be easily relocated. They are equipped with a tailormade safety system suitable for the space available and they only need limited space (from around 1000m3). For drivers’ convenience, they enable vehicles to be refuelled on either side.

An automated alert system forewarns you of any problems before they occur to assure 24/7 operational mode.

Today’s generation of natural gas-powered vehicles complies with the latest Euro emissions standards. LNG engines are quieter, so they can boldly go where no commercial vehicle has gone before: town centres and residential areas that have noise restrictions are no longer out of bounds.

LNG is widely available worldwide, ensuring energy security, reducing dependence on oil-producing nations and resulting in more stable pricing than other fuels.

As well as being significantly cheaper than diesel, LNG is not tied to foreign oil markets, which protects it from erratic price swings. The LNG raw product cost is only about 30% of the overall LNG delivered cost. Another advantage is LNG’s long-term hedging opportunities which allow accurate budgeting of fuel costs¹¹. Continued market growth allows us to combine deliveries, reducing distribution costs.

Find out more about the sustainability qualities of LNG

To sustainability

LNG in action

What it’s used for

LNG is an increasingly popular choice for low-emission, economic transport worldwide. It is widely used for personal and public transport and heavy-duty trucks, as well as marine and rail transport. Backed by local and central government transport policy, LNG is the fastest-growing fossil fuel worldwide, predicted to account for 20% of HGVs sold by the early-2020s¹².

Case study

Partnership Primagaz France - Avia

Read how leading independent fuel retailer Avia is keeping drivers on the road with its network of LNG refuelling stations throughout France.

How it works

LNG-only refuelling stations or ‘mixed stations’ offering LNG and Liquid to Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) are used to fuel transport. Designed and manufactured to ISO 16924 and ISO 16923 standards, they conform to both European and local requirements. Find out more about LNG.