Wisconsin Biodiesel in

Marine Applications

Biodiesel is a superb alternative to petroleum diesel in all marine applications. Independent tests have shown that biodiesel is non-toxic, readily biodegradable, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

This last benefit is of particular interest to the crews of the research vessels operated on the Great Lakes by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Their vessels recently switched to B100 fuel and vegetable based lubricants to take advantage of all the environmental benefits and protection that advanced biofuels offer as an alternative to petroleum. The crews on these boats quickly learned to appreciate the “smell of french fries” that supplanted the noxious fumes to which they had been accustomed in long-term exposure of diesel emissions. “There’s been a dramatic reduction in sea sickness,” says Dennis Donahue of NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. “With biodiesel, there aren’t those strong fumes that have people going over the side.”

Many other marine operators are discovering the benefits of biodiesel as well. The National Forest Service has included biodiesel in its fleet of vessels that work such environmentally sensitive areas as the Channel Islands National Park in California. This was initially launched as part of the NFS “Green Energy Parks” program established in 2000 to reduce and eliminate the park systems’ reliance upon fossil fuels.

In addition, the Washington State Ferry System has introduced biodiesel at B20 levels in tests within its fleet of over 20 car and passenger ferries that service the Puget Sound area.

Biodiesel is valued for all the ways in which it can help improve our environment. In marine use, we gain maximum advantage in protecting our environment while supporting the domestic economy and our quest for energy independence.