As November 1st 2008 approaches and the end to UK Red Diesel derogation, yacht owners are sharing an interest in alternative fuels one being Biodiesel. What are the benefits for boat owners and who will supply it?

Biodiesel refers to a non-petroleum-based diesel fuel made vegetable oils or animal fats.

There are many advantages of marine biodiesel as a marine fuel



Biodiesel serves as a drop-in replacement for petro diesel — no conversion necessary.

Biodiesel when used in boats causes less water pollution – there is less smoke and it is safer to store.

Biodiesel production uses a third less energy than petroleum diesel production.

High lubricity extends engine life

Higher cetane rating (46-62) almost always smoothes engine operation

Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum-based diesel at any ratio

Biodiesel contains essentially no sulfur or aromatics. Blends as low as B20 have reduced soot exhaust by 83%. Biodiesel removes deposits in tanks and fuel systems left by petro diesel.

Cheaper than the current red diesel prices of 88pence per litre even before the additional 54.94p in duty to be added from 1st Nov 2008.



Disadvantages



Doesn’t store as well as petro diesel

Possibility of blocked filters as it cleans the lines out and failed rubber seals as Biodiesel is a better solvent than mineral diesel

Blends of more than 5% (B5) to 95% (B95) may invalidate engine warranties

No Bio Diesel suppliers and blending facilities in marinas or boatyards at present.



Conclusion

Whilst at present there are no direct suppliers of marine biodiesel for boat owners, there are plans for the 2009 Portland Marina in Dorset to supply biodiesel and several marinas advise they have spare tank capacity to store another grade of oil.

A recent farm-based bio-diesel plant in North Wales has been reported as receiving interest from yacht and boat owners already. BML Biofuels, based at Llanfihangel GM, near Corwen is the first plant in Wales – and only the second in Britain – to extract oil by cold pressing oilseed rape (OSR). At the resulting cost 45p-55p/litre for the first 2,500 litres plus tax, it’s then no surprise BML Biofuels has already received maritime inquiries as far afield as Portsmouth since its official June opening.

With the higher cost or red diesel and a government under pressure to meet renewable fuel targets Biodiesel is likely to become a key ingredient in the refueling of motor yachts over the next decade.