Navigating New Waters: UK Boat Owners Explore Biodiesel Options

The Rising Tide of Biodiesel in Marine Use

Biodiesel is gaining traction among boat owners for its environmental and operational advantages. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Seamless Integration: Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modification, making it a convenient "drop-in" replacement for traditional diesel.
• Environmental Friendliness: It produces less air and water pollution, with reduced smoke emissions and safer storage.
• Energy Efficiency: Producing biodiesel requires about a third less energy than manufacturing petroleum diesel.
• Engine Longevity: Its high lubricity can lead to extended engine life.
• Smooth Operation: Biodiesel typically has a higher cetane rating (46-62), which can improve engine performance.
• Versatile Blending: It can be mixed with petroleum diesel in any ratio, offering flexibility in usage.
• Cleaner Emissions: Biodiesel contains minimal sulfur or aromatics, and even low blends like B20 can significantly reduce soot exhaust by 83%. It also helps clean out deposits left by petroleum diesel.

Financially, biodiesel has been cheaper than red diesel, which was priced at 88 pence per litre before the additional duty of 54.94p set to be added from November 1st, 2008.

Challenges in Charting Biodiesel's Course

Despite its advantages, biodiesel does face some challenges:

• Storage Stability: Biodiesel doesn't store as well as petroleum diesel, which can be a concern for long-term reserves.
• Maintenance Issues: It may lead to blocked filters due to its solvent properties and could cause rubber seals to fail.
• Warranty Concerns: Using blends higher than 5% (B5) to 95% (B95) may void engine warranties.
• Supply and Infrastructure: Currently, there are limited biodiesel suppliers and blending facilities in marinas or boatyards.

Current and Future Biodiesel Horizons

While direct suppliers of marine biodiesel are scarce, the landscape is changing. Plans are underway for the 2009 Portland Marina in Dorset to offer biodiesel, and several marinas have indicated they have the capacity to store additional fuel grades.

A pioneering bio-diesel plant in North Wales, BML Biofuels, has sparked interest among the maritime community. As the first facility in Wales to use cold pressing to extract oil from oilseed rape (OSR), BML Biofuels offers biodiesel at a competitive cost of 45p-55p/litre for the first 2,500 litres plus tax. Since its opening in June, the plant has received inquiries from as far as Portsmouth.

With the cost of red diesel on the rise and the UK's commitment to renewable energy, biodiesel is set to play a significant role in the marine fuel market. According to the Renewable Energy Association, the UK has a target to achieve 15% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020, which includes the use of biofuels in transport (Renewable Energy Association).

In conclusion, as the UK maritime industry steers towards a more sustainable future, biodiesel stands out as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional marine fuels. Boat owners and marinas alike are beginning to recognize the potential of this green fuel, setting sail towards a cleaner, more efficient horizon.