Benefits of using Biodiesel in Marine applications

Easier on Marine Environment

Biodiesel is an obvious candidate for use in marine applications. Independent tests have found that pure biodiesel is non-toxic, readily biodegradable and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

Biodiesel will not harm fish. The 96-hr. LC50 (lethal concentration) for Bluegills for C16-18 methyl esters was greater than 1,000 mg./L. Concentrations above 1,000 mg/L are deemed "insignificant" according to NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Guidelines in its Registry of the Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances.

Biodiesel is easier on humans, too. Vessel operators report a noticeable change in exhaust odor. The reduction in smell and change of odor are more palatable with engine workers. In fact, it's been compared to the smell of French fries. Biodiesel users also report having no eye irritation.

Biodiesel is biodegradable. C16-18 methyl esters are considered biodegradable based on their chemical nature and test data collected for experimentally determined oxygen demand and carbon dioxide production as a percent of calculated theoretical values. C16-18 methyl esters do not show any micro biological inhibition up to 10,000 mg/L.
In tests performed by the University of Idaho, biodiesel in an aqueous solution after 28 days was 95 percent degraded. Diesel fuel was only 40 percent degraded. In a second study done in an aquatic environment (CO2 Evolution), various biodiesel products were 85.5-88.5 percent degraded in 28 days, which is the same rate as sugar (dextrose). Diesel degradation was 26.24 percent.

Biodiesel offers more environmental benefits. For research vessels and consumers using commercial vessels, biodiesel offers a more environmentally-friendly alternative to regular diesel. Because it is non-toxic and biodegradable, consumers and researchers may pressure owners for biodiesel use, especially in sensitive or protected waterway areas.

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. One of the principal commodities used as a source for biodiesel is soybeans, a major crop produced by almost 400,000 farmers in 29 states.

Biodiesel helps speed diesel degradation when used in blends with petroleum diesel fuel.Biodiesel degrades about four times faster than petroleum diesel fuel. Also, when blended with biodiesel, the degradation rate of petroleum diesel tripled when compared to diesel alone, according to a 1995 University of Idaho test.

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.Biodiesel has a higher flash point - a minimum of 260 degrees versus about 125 degrees Fahrenheit for regular #2 diesel. Biodiesel also offers low-pressure storage at ambient temperatures, handles like diesel and is safer to transport.

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 with low sulfur petroleum diesel containing high or low aromatic levels. Start-up, power, range and cold-weather performance characteristics are similar to diesel.
Even low levels of biodiesel (1-5%) with diesel fuel offer superior lubricating properties. Recent test results using the HFRR test showed a reduction in wear scar from 0.61 mm to 0.35 mm using a 1% blend of biodiesel with the base 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.
Found at : http://www.nbb.org/markets/mar/

Environmentally Friendly Biodiesel Makes a Splash with South Florida Boaters

February 3, 2005: Press release by the National Biodiesel Board Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Joined by South Florida organizations and businesses, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today announced the increasing availability of biodiesel for boaters in South Florida. Gold Coast Clean Cities and the South Florida Regional Planning Council encouraged boaters to consider switching to the domestically produced fuel.Biodiesel is a cleaner burning alternative to petroleum-based diesel that is made from renewable resources like soybeans and other natural fats and oils, grown in the United States.

“Florida is one of the country’s leading producers and users of biodiesel and is helping to set an example for the nation, particularly through its increasing use of the fuel in marine applications,” said Joe Jobe, NBB executive director. “We were pleased to highlight the state’s leadership during our 2005 National Biodiesel Conference and Expo which was held here this week and brought together biodiesel suppliers and supporters from across the country.”

Jobe pointed out that Florida is home to a wide range of biodiesel users including: the state government; Florida Power and Light; the City of Jacksonville; Everglades National Park; Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Airports; the City of Coconut Creek; and the Ft. Lauderdale water taxis.

“Since switching to biodiesel three years ago in all of our water taxis, we have experienced performance similar to petroleum diesel, but have found less engine wear and tear because of biodiesel’s increased lubricity and easier boat cleanup because there is less soot,” said Bob Bekoff, President Water Taxi, Inc. “Biodiesel is not only better for the environment and human health because it reduces harmful emissions, but it is good for domestic energy security since it reduces our dependence on foreign oil.”

“By offering a high-quality biodiesel product and various biodiesel blends at the wholesale rack, we hope to significantly facilitate the availability and distribution process for renewable fuels in South Florida,” said Rick Eaton, Executive Vice President, TransMontaigne. He noted that they plan on offering a BQ-9000 certified product, providing assurances the fuel meets and maintains ASTM-grade quality throughout the distribution process. BQ-9000 is a program created by the National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission, an independent committee of NBB.

“Here in South Florida where fifty percent of the air pollution comes from motor vehicles, biodiesel can play an important role in reducing transportation born pollutants to help protect South Florida’s marine environment and ensure that our region remains the world's tourist destination of choice,” said Carlos Andres Gonzalez, Florida Gold Coast Clean Cities Coordinator.

Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine in pure form or blended with petroleum diesel.More than 500 major fleets use biodiesel nationwide and the fuel is increasingly being used in marine applications. NBB is the nonprofit trade association for the biodiesel industry and is headquartered in Jefferson City, Mo.