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Marine Use of Biofuel

The analysis and conclusions contained in this case study are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the point of view of the Government of Canada.

Organization
Innovation Maritime

Major Findings
The use of B20 fuel (a blend of 20% biofuel and 80% marine diesel) was tested on a commercial ship generator. It reduced greenhouse gas emissions with no reduction of engine performance.

Project Timeline
July 2006 to November 2006

Please note that some figures such as cost of fuel are based on data from the period that this project took place.

Introduction

Marine transportation is a fuel-efficient way to move freight, and the International Maritime Organization's MARPOL Convention encourages shipping companies make improvements that save money and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

One possible way to reduce emissions is to use biodiesel made from plant and animal residue, to partially replace traditional marine fuels. Laboratory testing indicates that on average, 1,000 L of B100 biodiesel (100% biodiesel) reduces 3 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Biodiesel is also safer to handle and transport than petroleum.

Project Description

Called Bioship, this project demonstrated the feasibility of using B20 biodiesel (20% blend of biofuel and marine diesel fuel) to power one of four main auxiliary power generators (Generator 4) on the merchant vessel Anna Desgagnés (Figure 1). The project tracked performance, fuel consumption and emissions on a voyage of approximately 38,000 km while the ship was making deliveries to settlements in the Canadian Arctic.

The ship, owned and operated by Transport Desgagnés, was launched in 1986. It is 173.5 m long and displaces 17,850 tonnes. Four generators with a capacity of 532 kW each provide shipboard electricity. From June to November, the ship brings supplies to the isolated villages in the Canadian Arctic. For the rest of the year, the ship engages in international commerce. This project took place in 2006.

Project Goals and Objectives

The purpose of this project was to demonstrate the feasibility of biodiesel to reduce GHG emissions in a Canadian marine environment and to assess the impact of biodiesel on power output and engine wear and, to identify any operational constraints. Although trials had been done on smaller marine vessels, this was the first use of biodiesel on a commercial merchant ship in Canada.

Project Methodology

Meetings were held with the ship's operators to develop the project parameters. Generator 4 was chosen for testing biodiesel fuel. No mechanical modifications were required because the ship was originally built with piping that permits the generators to be fuelled by more than one type of fuel. This is why it was possible to operate Generator 4 with biodiesel and the other three generators with marine diesel fuel. Equipment installed by Environment Canada's Environmental Technology Centre measured emissions during the voyage. In addition, crewmembers recorded the engine pressure and temperature conditions of Generator 4 into a logbook six times a day. A Portable Doctor DK-2, an instrument that measures diesel engine power, was used to compare the mechanical power developed by the diesel generators compared to the biodiesel generator.

The characteristics of the biodiesel fuel and the marine diesel fuel were determined by testing done at the Alberta Research Council.

B100 biofuel was provided by Rothsay Biodiesel (Montreal) and combined with marine diesel and mixed to the B20 blend in the delivery trucks so that no mixing was done on board. Ship fuel reservoir 50 (27,600 L) was used as the main biodiesel storage tank and reservoir 49 (6,700 L) was used as a day tank. Both tanks were cleaned thoroughly before being filled with biodiesel.

Results

Environmental benefits: During the course of the project, 95,424 L of B20 biodiesel fuel were used to power Generator 4. Based on laboratory data and shipboard verification, its use reduced GHG emissions by 56.8 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in about six months. Extending the use of B20 to the other three generators would reduce emissions by about 450 tonnes per year.

Fuel consumption: The monitoring of engine performance during the project did not detect any difference in the fuel consumption of Generator 4 in comparison to the other three generators.

Engine performance: Shipboard analysis showed that the use of B20 biodiesel fuel tended to slightly retard the cylinder firing time. This usually means slightly reduced power production, increased exhaust gas temperatures and an increase in visible smoke production. Since the vessel's generators were originally configured to run on heavier fuel than marine diesel, modifications would likely result in better fuel efficiency, power production and emissions reduction regardless of the type of fuel used.

Engine wear: Before the project began, Cylinders 1 and 6 of Generator 4 were cleaned. A visual inspection of Cylinder 1 at the end of the project revealed that it was cleaner than it was at the pre-project inspection and there was no sign of abnormal wear as a result of using B20 biodiesel fuel. This is consistent with test findings for other forms of transportation that determined that biodiesel provides increased lubrication, which increases engine performance and decreases engine wear.

Cost-benefit: B20 costs about 4 to 6 cents more per litre than straight marine diesel fuel. Until the cost of biodiesel is equal to or less than marine diesel or there is some type of tax advantage recognizing its positive environmental benefits, cost will be an obstacle to adopting biodiesel fuel for marine uses. The lack of supply infrastructure also affects the cost of biodiesel fuels. Until demand results in regular storage and delivery, there will be added cost for using biofuel on vessels.

Other considerations: In colder climates, biodiesel tends to lose viscosity, particularly at higher blend levels. The temperature of biodiesel needs to be maintained at least 6°C above its critical temperature to maintain viscosity. In cases where this temperature cannot be maintained, a lower concentration such as B5 or B10 biodiesel can be used.

Conclusion

Conclusion Using B20 biodiesel, a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% marine diesel, to power all four generators on the Anna Desgagnés would reduce emissions by about 450 tonnes per year. The project determined there was no detrimental effect from the use of B20 biodiesel on Generator 4. Disassembly and inspection of combustion Cylinder 1 before and after the use of biodiesel indicated the biodiesel was cleaner burning and caused no abnormal engine wear.

Additional Information

• Innovation Maritime 
• Biodiesel, Natural Resources Canada
• Transport Desgagnés
• Rothsay Biodiesel
• International Maritime Organization

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Date modified:

2012-03-14

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