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Soybeans Fuel Ferry

The Blue & Gold Fleet and the San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority (WTA) are nearing the end of a five-month study to determine whether biodiesel fuel does as good a job as petroleum diesel in powering Bay ferries, and whether the renewable and biodegradable fuel produces fewer emissions than conventional diesel.

The answer to the first question is a resounding yes, based on the performance of Blue & Gold's Oski, a 400-passenger charter and tourist ferry boat running on 100 percent biodiesel made from soybean oil. "It's gone just as we expected," noted Mary Frances Culnane, WTA's manager of marine engineering.

As for the emissions question, previous studies have shown the fuel produces less carbon monoxide and fewer particulates than conventional diesel. Engines burning pure biodiesel, however, produce slightly more oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which contribute to smog. So for the past month, Blue & Gold and the WTA have been testing a continuous water-injection system on the Oski in an attempt to reduce NOx emissions.

The Berkeley Ecology Center has been running its recycling trucks on 100 percent soy diesel for the past nine months, and San Francisco International Airport recently conducted a pilot program using 100 percent biodiesel in its fleet of parking shuttle buses.

In addition to soybeans, biodiesel can be made from other vegetable oils or recycled restaurant grease. The biggest drawback to biodiesel is cost; prices now average about 50 percent more per gallon than conventional diesel fuel.
--John Goodwin

Contents

• TransLink^®
  • TransLink^® Hits the Street
  • FTA Administrator Helps Launch TransLink^® Card
• News Briefs
  • Region Clears First Hurdle In 2012 Olympic Bid
  • Secretary Mineta Honored
  • Taking a Look at New Ways to Cross the Bay
  • Soybeans Fuel Ferry
• Facts and Figures
  • Bay Crossings Poll: Transit Tops List of New Transbay Options
• COMMISSION ACTIONS