Industries: Marine

Biodiesel is non-toxic, readily biodegradable and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. Here are only some of many benefits of biodiesel for marine use—

• Non-toxic
• Biodegradable
• Cleaner Exhaust Above and Below Deck
• Higher, Safer Flashpoint vs. Diesel
• Superior Lubricity Improves Engine Life

Biodiesel reduces harm to fish and humans:
biodiesel is considered non-toxic, as printed in NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Guidelines in its Registry of the Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances.

Vessel operators and engine workers report a noticeable change in exhaust odor. biodiesel users also report having no eye irritation compared with petroleum diesel fumes.

Biodiesel is biodegradable:
Biodiesel is 10 times less toxic than table salt and more biodegradable than sugar. According to a 1995 University of Idaho test, biodiesel (even biodiesel blends) accelerate the biodegradability of petroleum No. 2 diesel. For example a 20% biodiesel blend degrades twice as fast as No. 2 diesel.

Biodiesel can work in several marine factions:
Because Biodiesel can replace or blend with petroleum diesel with little or no engine modifications, it is a viable alternative to several categories of the marine industry, including: recreational boats, inland commercial and ocean-going commercial ships, research vessels, and the U.S. Coast Guard Fleet. Today, much of the emphasis is on recreational boats, which consume about 95 million gallons of diesel fuel annually.

Biodiesel is a safe alternative:
The flash point (the point at which fuel ignites) for biodiesel (B100) is a minimum of 300 degrees versus about 125 degrees Fahrenheit for regular petroleum diesel #2. These factors make biodiesel one of the safest fuels to use, handle and store. It is even less irritating to skin than a 4% soap and water solution.

Biodiesel has higher lubricity:
Biodiesel blended at a 20 percent rate with petroleum diesel has a lower wear scar than traditional fuel. At the 20 percent blend level, Biodiesel shows improved lubricity. Start-up, power, range and cold-weather performance characteristics are similar to diesel.

Biodiesel is "user-friendly":
The use of Biodiesel and Biodiesel blends results in a noticeable change in exhaust odor. The reduction in smell and change of odor are easier on ship workers and pleasure craft boaters. In fact, it's been compared to the smell of French fries. Users also report no having eye irritation. Since Biodiesel is oxygenated, diesel engines have more complete combustion than with petroleum.

Biodiesel is a renewable, domestic fuel:
Biodiesel is made from renewable fats and oils, such as vegetable oils, through a simple refining process. The by-product glycerin is used in commercial applications from toothpaste to cough syrup. The use of Biodiesel is also a great stimulus to local farming communities since Biodiesel is made from oil seeds such as soy and canola.

Smooth Sailing for Ferry Run on Soybeans:
What do representatives from air quality regulatory agencies; entrepreneurial business; a ferry operation; local, state and federal government; an environmental group; and the Cal mascot "Oski" all have in common? On the afternoon of November 13, they all got together to talk about the first time that a passenger vessel has been run on biodiesel made from soybeans. Cal’s "Oski" mascot added a note of whimsy to this otherwise technical briefing and, as you can see, was a great photo prop.

This project required the collaboration of three great partners. The Water Transit Authority sought and obtained a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD). Blue & Gold Ferry Service provided $57,000 in additional funding and dedicated its 400-passenger excursion ferry, the Oski, namesake of the Cal mascot, to run on biodiesel for five months.

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