Partnership for a Healthier Puget Sound
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is partnering with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) and other regional stakeholders to test the use of biodiesel in the marine environment.
Overview
The Biodiesel Research and Demonstration Project is a three-phased pilot test of biodiesel fuel use on ferries. It includes scientific research and a fuel test/demonstration. Biodiesel is a fuel made from vegetable oils such as soybeans, animal fats or cooking greases. It contains almost no sulfur and reduces toxic pollutants and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Why is WSF researching and testing biodiesel?
We are committed to responsible stewardship of Puget Sound. Each year, WSF burns approximately 17 million gallons of diesel fuel on its 23 ferries, making WSF a significant fuel consumer in Puget Sound. The decision to test biodoesel was based on Governor Christine Gregoire’s 2005 executive order for sustainability and 2006 legislation requiring state agencies to use a minimum of 20 percent biodiesel by 2009.
Our Partners
WSF is partnering on this project with:
The End Result
We will create a final report that identifies sources and conditions that contribute to contamination of the biodiesel-blend fuel and clogging of filters. The report will document best practices to protect fuel quality, including environmental conditions that may affect the use of biodiesel in the marine industry. The report will recommend fuel quality specifications, test procedures and sampling protocols that apply to both marine and land-based biodiesel users.
Project Phases
Phase I - Research and develop testing procedures
Contract research services to (1) review the findings of a previous study on biodiesel fuel quality and handling issues, (2) assess the previous experience of WSF with biodiesel, (3) develop fuel specifications for various biodiesel raw materials and (4) design and document test procedures and sampling protocols to test fuel quality from the point of manufacture to on-board vessel fuel tanks.
Phase II - Contractor selection and lab experiments
Select a contractor for a trial of the new quality assurance test procedures derived from research in phase I. Set up controlled laboratory experiments to simulate a Pacific Northwest marine environment to determine if environmental factors may be contributing to the problem.
Phase III - Pilot test under actual ferry operating conditions
The contractor and WSF will implement phase II testing procedures and protocols to conduct a controlled experiment during WSF vessel operations using recommended biodiesel blended fuels.
Project Objectives
- Perform a controlled, scientific research study to identify the sources of biodiesel quality problems and environmental factors which caused WSF to discontinue the use of a biodiesel/petroleum diesel blend (B20) during our first biodiesel pilot test conducted in 2004 and 2005.
- Perform related research to support similar biodiesel land-based user problems.
- Develop a fuel quality assurance testing system and a product handling guidance document based on laboratory research, to help ensure biodiesel fuel quality remains high from the point of production to actual operation in WSF vessels and other marine and land-based applications.
WSF Biodiesel Testing Timeline
2004 – 2005 – Conducted pilot tests of biodiesel (in partnership with PSCAA and Seattle City Light) and Ultra Low-Sulfur Diesel (in partnership with PSCAA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
In the last half of 2004, we tested B20 biodiesel – a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent low-sulfur-diesel). Shortly after the first fueling, all three vessels in the test reported severe clogging in the fuel filters and oil purifiers. We suspended the use of biodiesel on the vessels and determined that more study was needed.
2006 – Began working with the PSCAA and Seattle City Light on the Biodiesel Research and Demonstration Project. (Phase I)
2007 – Worked with Washington State University on the research components of the Biodiesel Research and Demonstration Project. (Phase II)
March 2008 – Begin fuel trials (phase III).
February 2009 – Create fuel trials.
June 2009 – Publish final project report.
Funding
This project is funded by a federal grant and financial contributions from Seattle City Light.
Washington State Senator Maria Cantwell successfully secured $500,000 in congressional funds for the state of Washington through the Federal energy budget in fiscal year 2006. The U.S. Department of Energy is charged with administering the earmark. The PSCAA has the lead on administering this grant. They are providing overall project administration, along with securing and administering the project funding. Seattle City Light is also providing funding of up to $350,000.Leading the research in these studies are Washington State University, University of Idaho and Imperium Renewables. WSF is the recipient of the research and will provide the platform for the demonstration project. The Gloseten Associates also contributed $25,000 to this project
How can I get more information?
Contact: Shawn Devine
WSF Customer and Community Relations
2901 3rd Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-515-3771
Email: devines@wsdot.wa.gov