BANGKOK, THAILAND: 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.

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

Source: http://www.ngvglobal.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74&Itemid=2&lang=en