Massachusetts-based Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard Nantucket Steamship Authority (SSA) will test the use of renewable diesel fuel on its largest ferry this summer, as part of an emissions reduction trial.
The company states the R99 fuel is chemically similar to ultra low-sulfur diesel and can be used interchangeably without modifying engines. SSA also said R99 is produced from biomass feedstocks and is reported to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%, and up to 78%, depending on the feedstock source.
The pilot program will run from June to September aboard the double-ended ferry Island Home, which operates the seven-mile Woods Hole–Martha’s Vineyard route. The 255' Island Home is powered by twin EMD Diesel engines delivering a total of 6000 hp. During the three-month test, SSA expects to use approximately 104,000 gals. of R99.
At a joint meeting of the Steamship Authority board and port council on May 15, members unanimously approved $62,400 to cover the cost difference between standard ultra low-sulfur diesel ($2.40 per gal.) and R99, ($2.99 per gal.).
SSA's supplier, Diesel Direct, will deliver the renewable diesel in a dedicated tanker to avoid cross-contamination with traditional fuels.
General manager Robert Davis said SSA is watching closely to see how R99 performs in its operating environment.
“We have heard excellent reports from other ferry operators about the use of R99 in their fleets, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of testing its use in New England,” Davis said. “This reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will be significant to our operations and our port communities.”
Chief operating officer Mark Amundsen noted that the manufacturers of all engines used in the
An SSA statement highlighted the use of R99 is more established on the West Coast before stating this pilot marks one of the first tests of the fuel by a ferry operator in the northeastern United States. If the test results meet expectations, SSA said it may consider a broader rollout of R99 across its 10-vessel fleet.
