New York Waterway has completed their renewable diesel trial and are now moving forward with this new, cleaner energy source ahead of hybridizing their fleet next year.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We are prioritizing the conversion of our fleet and fuel in order to minimize the impact on the environment and the communities we serve, without compromising on safety, speed or reliability,” NY Waterway President and CEO Armand Pohan said in a statement.
“We’re fully committed to being a leader in the broader effort to make New York’s vital waterways even cleaner and greener for everyone.”
NY Waterway began its renewable diesel trial this past July on selected ferries and is currently on track to use 375,000 gallons over the next year – roughly 20 percent of the fleet’s fuel consumption, with a goal to increase to 50 percent usage in the near future.
Renewable diesel is fully compatible with all its ferry diesel engines, requiring no modifications.
Renewable diesel fuel, made from various fats, oils and waste products from the food and restaurant industries, performs as well as fossil diesel, but with a significantly reduced environmental impact.
The EPA estimates that using renewable diesel can lower greenhouse gas emissions by up to 78 percent per gallon. Because it burns so much cleaner, renewable diesel also results in reduced engine maintenance, contributing to enhanced service reliability.
This initiative complements a fleet-wide hybrid/electrification program that will begin conversion of NY Waterway ferries in the middle of 2025.
