Shell and its affiliates have signed a memorandum of understanding with TravelCenters of America (TA) to sell liquefied natural gas (LNG) to heavy-duty road transport customers in the U.S. through TA’s existing nationwide network of full-service fueling centers.

According to Shell, pending final agreements, the proposed plans include constructing more than 200 LNG fuel lanes at about 100 TA sites and Petro Stopping Centers throughout the U.S. interstate highway system. If a final agreement is reached, the first of the LNG fuel lanes are expected to become operational in 2013.

“Using natural gas for transport gives truck fleet operators a new strong advantage because it’s abundant and affordable and a viable alternative to diesel,” said Elen Phillips, vice president of Shell fuels sales and marketing in North America. “This potential alliance with TA would enable Shell to deliver LNG fuel to customers who want a competitively priced fuel option to help them meet increasingly stringent air quality emission standards.”

Shell noted that demand for innovative fuels, like LNG, from heavy-duty road transport customers is growing due, in part, to the wide range of benefits for trucking fleet operators, including lower fuel costs and improved local air quality from reduced emissions at the point of use, particularly nitrogen oxide, as well as reduced noise levels.

“Shell sees great potential for LNG as a fuel option among our range of quality fuels, due to the sheer abundance and affordability of domestic natural gas in North America. Where it makes sense and where there is customer demand, we will innovate to deliver LNG as an additional fuel offer to our customers across America,” Phillips said.

Last year, Shell announced it would sell LNG to its heavy-duty fleet customers at select Flying J truck stops in Alberta, Canada, beginning in 2012. The first LNG retail plaza in Calgary is expected to open this year, the company said.