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| AFT CEO Sean Blythe discusses the program at the signing ceremony |
Thailand, Bangkok
Australian
based Advanced Fuels Technology (AFT) has signed MOU’s with
stakeholders in Thailand for the conversion of diesel buses to CNG,
part of a program to shift the focus of Thailand’s NGV programs to
heavy and commercial vehicles.
AFT will oversee the development and installation of customised
conversion equipment for as many as 150 -200 buses across 3 fleets
within a 12 month period. Sean Blythe, CEO of AFT says the initial
engine & vehicle development will be completed in Australia, before
the conversions are installed in Thailand. "We’re air freighting sample
engines to Australia where they will be re-engineered and optimised
for Thai driving cycles & gas composition before returning them to
Thailand for installation," says Blythe. AFT will also be providing
operational training and an aftersales service for fleet operators in
Thailand.
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| Linh Gas Bangkok workshop, where the CNG buses will be converted and serviced |
Installation and local support will be conducted by Linh Gas Cylinder
Co., a local manufacturer of pressure vessels & an importer and
supplier of CNG and LPG conversion equipment. According to Bruce Thompson, Managing Director of AFT,
their local experience made them an ideal partner for the project,
"Linh Gas has been involved in the Bangkok taxi CNG conversion program
for many years and has been actively involved in the push for
increasing the use of Natural Gas in both light and heavy duty
commercial vehicles."
Thailand’s energy supplier, PTT Thailand, which currently operates 29
CNG stations servicing almost 5,000 vehicles, will supply CNG cylinders
and some financial support for the program.
The first vehicle is expected to be operational by July with the remainder on the road by June 2006.
The program is part of a drive to improve air quality and reduce
Thailand’s dependence on foreign oil. The Thai Energy Minister, Viset
Choopiban, was on hand for a signing ceremony earlier this week which
also included similar projects involving other potential suppliers.
Compiled with information provided by Advanced Fuels Technology, www.advancedfuels.com.au
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