Typically, the technology of powering vehicles with hydrogen and alternative fuels does not bring about the mention of welding, a centuries-old practice dating back to the 1800s. However, Weldship Corporation, a leading global supplier of high-quality gas tube trailers, ground storage modules and iso-containers, is playing a role today in helping make possible the fueling of hydrogen powered vehicles by collaborating with the world’s largest merchant producer of hydrogen.

Weldship’s role in the developing hydrogen economy is that of a preferred manufacturer for Air Products&# proprietary HF-150 Mobile Hydrogen Fueler. The mobile system, complete with storage, self-contained power supply, and dispenser, is mounted to a trailer to allow for vehicle fueling at multiple customer sites. The HF-150 system provides the flexibility to be transported to promotional events, commercial fueling stations or for remote endurance testing of hydrogen-fueled vehicles. Air Products (NYSE: APD) is an industry leader in hydrogen safety and engineering, as well as the leader in hydrogen fueling stations for clean transportation applications with over 40 installations in the United States and internationally.

Most recently, an HF-150 was deployed in Santa Ana, Calif. as part of a five-city hydrogen fueling alternative energy demonstration program being implemented by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The five California cities involved in the hydrogen demonstration program will use Air Products&# technology to fuel electric hybrid vehicles converted to be hydrogen capable and which meet California&#s strictest emissions requirements. Besides the five city program, there are additional HF-150 systems being used in similar hydrogen fuel demonstration programs in the U.S. and abroad.

Weldship manufactures Air Products’ HF-150 mobile hydrogen fueler specifically for hydrogen fuel transport, storage and dispensing. Weldship is currently involved with additional projects related to the hydrogen fueling infrastructure. With expanded implementation of hydrogen-fueled vehicles, pollution from conventionally powered vehicles and dependence on diminishing oil reserves can be substantially reduced.

About Weldship Corporation
Weldship was founded in 1946 by John Evans, Jr., to fabricate welded barges used by Hudson River refineries to transport petroleum products. Demand for barges decreased as shipbuilding grew, and Weldship diversified into the industrial gas industry.

In 1971, Weldship acquired tube trailer maintenance facilities and began fabricating and servicing trailers as well as building and leasing its own fleet. By the 1980s, Weldship had expanded its capabilities and customer base, leasing equipment and providing services to the leaders of the industrial gas and specialty chemical markets as well as their distributors.

In 1990, Bob Arcieri and Bill Angus acquired Weldship from the original owner. Since that time Weldship has grown significantly, expanded its facilities, added experienced and dedicated personnel, and is focused on new opportunities and markets to serve a growing base of customers on a global basis. With the advent of the new millennium, an ambitious expansion plan was initiated. The Bethlehem, Pa., plant was renovated and expanded to become a state-of-the-art facility with capabilities for acoustic emission, ultrasonic and hydrostatic testing, painting, and maintenance. The acquisition of Texas Trailer Corporation, Gainesville, TX, in 1999 was a first component of Weldship&#s expansion plan, as Weldship extends its reach with new capabilities across North and South America.