“We are excited to collaborate with Shell on this latest initiative to power Cat® mining trucks with Caterpillar’s LNG technology. Many of our customers are asking for natural-gas powered equipment in order to reap the financial and environmental benefits. This agreement further builds upon our efforts in delivering cost effective, reliable and innovative solutions to our customers,” said Chris Curfman, Caterpillar Vice President with responsibility for Mining Sales & Support Division.
In addition to the new truck Caterpillar is developing, Shell will also retrofit existing trucks from its fleet with the new engine for the trial, as well as provide fueling infrastructure, at its Shell Albian Sands operation near Fort McMurray. This trial follows a trend for Shell in looking at options to use Canada’s abundant natural gas as a fuel in marine and road transportation, and other industrial situations.
“To succeed commercially in the future, we believe we have to be able to compete both economically and environmentally. We believe that is what Canadians want,” said Shell’s VP, Oil Sands, John Rhind. “With heavy hauling being such a core part of our operation, success with this could make a real difference in our operations costs and emissions.”
Field testing of dual-fuel powered mining trucks at Shell’s operations is expected to begin in 2016, with the trial expected to last up to one year.
Source: Shell Canada
