A liquefied natural gas tanker truck is being tested for possible future use by the Interior Energy Project.
The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority has leased the 75-foot long semi rig from a Lower 48 company for road testing in Alaska. AIDEA spokesman Karsten Rodvik says the tanker has more capacity than LNG hauling trucks currently in use in the state.
“The design of this tanker allows it to be loaded to capacity — and that’s the difference, the design and the way the weight is distributed.”
Rodvik says the tanker truck was filled with natural gas at the Titan LNG processing plant in Nikiski and run up to Fairbanks. Rodvik adds that truck, which will also be driven to the North Slope and back, employs a 5-axle design.
“It allows it to travel within the weight limitations on Alaska roads. Again, so given the fact that it’s a larger capacity, if the testing proves successful, it can help reduce the energy costs for the Interior.”
The AIDEA lead Interior Energy Project is currently evaluating two private company partner proposals that would tap natural gas from either Cook Inlet or the North Slope for shipment to the Interior. The LNG tanker was on display for public viewing today (Tues.) in North Pole.
Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
