- The Biodiesel Research and Demonstration Project Final Report is now available on the WSF Web site. The report documents all aspect of the project including best practices to protect fuel quality for use in the marine environment.
- In February 2009, WSF completed Phase III - the fuel testing phase - of the Biodiesel Research and Demonstration project.
- This demonstration phase involved fueling three WSF vessels –Tillikum, Issaquah, Klahowya – with specified biodiesel fuel blends.
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Biodiesel Research and Demonstration Project Final Report On May 8, 2009, WSDOT Ferries Division (WSF) published the Biodiesel Research and Demonstration Project Final Report along with supporting documents and appendices. The report concludes that biodiesel fuel blends are a viable fuel source in year-round marine conditions. The results of this project and information contained in the final report are expected to directly benefit other marine and land-based users considering using biodiesel fuel blends.
Biodiesel Research and Demonstration Project Final Report
Executive Summary (pdf 87 kb)
Final Report (pdf 1,364 kb)
Appendices
A.
Literature Review Report (pdf 304 kb)
B.
2004 Pilot Test Report (pdf 63 kb)
C.
WSF Fuel System Environmental, Process and Compatibility Evaluation (pdf 49 kb)
D.
Laboratory Research Report (pdf 1,100 kb)
E.
2008 Pilot Test Work Plan (pdf 139 kb)
F.
Fuel Quality Data Sheet (pdf 272 kb)
G.
Vessel Modification Schematic (pdf 1,129 kb)
H.
Lubricant Oil Analysis (pdf 128 kb)
I.
M.V. Tillikum Operational Details (pdf 269 kb)
J.
Biodiesel Test Samples (pages 1-30) (pdf 3,521 kb),
Biodiesel Test Samples (pages 31-58) (pdf 3,223 kb)
K.
Sludge Characterization and Microbial Identification (pdf 333 kb)
Partnership for a healthier Puget SoundWashington State Ferries (WSF) partnered 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 was a three-phased pilot test of biodiesel fuel use on ferries. It included 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 22 operating ferries, making WSF a significant fuel consumer in Puget Sound. Operating on biodiesel fuel blends can reduce emissions of particulate matter, the leading airborne health risk in Puget Sound.
Our Partners
WSF is partnering on this project with:
The End Result
The Biodiesel Research and Demonstration Final Report identifies sources and conditions that contribute to contamination of the biodiesel-blend fuel and clogging of filters. The report documents best practices to protect fuel quality, including environmental conditions that may affect the use of biodiesel in the marine industry. The report identifies 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
- Test current fuel specifications for biodiesel and biodiesel
blended fuels.
- Develop biodiesel product handling guidelines for use in a marine environment.
- Demonstrate that biodiesel blended fuels can be successfully used in marine applications in the Pacific Northwest.
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.
May 2009 – Publish final project report.
Funding
This project is funded by a federal grant and financial contributions from Seattle City Light and the Glosten Associates.
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 Glosten Associates also contributed $25,000 to this project.
How can I get more information?
Fuel Contracts
Contact:
Washington State Department of General Administration
360-902-0990
WSF 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