Marine Log - October 2008 - (Page 21)

FERRIES A canola-based biodiesel blend has caused sludging problems in the fuel purifier in the car ferry Tillikum shows improved lubricity with low sulfur petroleum diesel containing high or low aromatic levels. Start-up, power, range and cold-weather performance characteristics are similar to diesel. BUILDING ON INITIAL PHASES The first phase of the project reviewed the findings of a previous study on biodiesel fuel quality and handling issues, including WSF’s previous experience with biodiesel use in 2004-2005. It also looked at developing fuel specifications for various biodiesel raw materials and designed and documented test procedures and sampling protocols to test fuel quality from the point of manufacture to onboard vessel fuel tanks. In the second phase, a contractor was chosen for a trial of the new quality assurance test procedures derived from research in Phase I. Additionally, controlled laboratory experiments were created to simulate a Pacific Northwest environment to determine the environmental factors that may contribute to fuel problems. The project is a partnership between WSF and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Seattle City Light, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Washington State University, the University of Idaho, Imperium Renewables, Rainier Petroleum, Sound Refining and Glosten Associates. The project is being funded by a $500,000 federal grant in combination with $350,000 from Seattle City Light and $25,000 from Glosten Associates. Plans are to continue the pilot test of biodiesel in the three ferries until February 2009. The results of the research will then be released in a final report, which will be published in June 2009. One of the issues with biodiesel is its expense. Under its contractual agreements, WSF was able to purchase ultra low sulfur diesel at a price of $3.22 per gallon before taxes on Sept. 5. Soy-based biodiesel was selling at $5.75 per gallon (including tax). WSF burns about 17 million gallons of No. 2 diesel annually. The decision to test biodiesel was based on Washington State Gov. Christine Gregoire’s 2005 executive order for sustainability and 2006 legislation requiring state agencies to use a minimum of 20% biodiesel by 2009, if feasible. ML www.marinelog.com OCTOBER 2008 MARINE LOG 21 http://www.lufkin.com http://www.lufkin.com http://www.marinelog.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Marine Log - October 2008

Marine Log - October 2008 Contents Editorial Second Thoughts Update Inside Washington Fresh Fuel Ferries Exhibitors Preview Ferries get "Smarter" China's Great Ambitions Newsmakers Tech News Contracts Events Website Directory ML Buyer's Guide ML Marketplace Shipbuilding History

Marine Log - October 2008

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