An affiliate of German power company Uniper SE said it has successfully completed tests to move liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail in specialized tank cars, bringing the mode of transporting the fuel one step closer to wider use across the world.

Rail logistics company Vtg AG carried out initial trials on behalf of Uniper’s Liqvis GmbH. Vtg moved the super-chilled fuel cross country, from Brunsbüttel Ports on the Elbe river to a Uniper power plant 500 miles away in Ingolstadt, without issue. 

Liqvis, which operates LNG filling stations in Germany, is working to expand its transportation refueling network. It wants to move more LNG by rail to its distribution centers and is exploring further utilizing the technology.

“The ability to move larger volumes in a single batch...