When the University of Rhode Island’s research ship Endeavor topped off its 53,000 gallon fuel tanks last month, it filled up with refined biodiesel, making it the first ship in the U.S. research fleet to use the alternative fuel. It’s the first step in the University’s plan to transform the 185-foot vessel into the most energy-efficient and “green” research vessel in the country.
About 14,000 gallons of B5 biodiesel, produced by Newport Biodiesel and blended and delivered by Malloy Biodiesel, were delivered to the ship in December. The fuel contains about five percent biofuel mixed with diesel, and it generally costs slightly less per gallon than regular diesel fuel. The goal is to gradually increase the percentage of biofuel to about 20 percent.
Click here to learn more about the Endeavor project.