Cargo Business Newswire

Friday, April 4, 2014

New eco-hybrid fuel could help shipping industry reduce pollution

The SeaChange Group, a U.S start-up that converts agricultural by-products into clean-burning fuel, has been awarded a patent for an eco-hybrid fuel technology shown to reduce nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions.

The fuel could be a way for the shipping industry to comply with stricter EPA emissions standards for ships that sail within 200 miles of the shore, meant to significantly reduce shipping related pollutants by 2020.

"International shipping has come under stringent emissions regulations and ship operators around the world are looking for drop-in fuels such as this one to reduce emissions and maintain engine power and fuel efficiency," said Dr. Richard Kimball, director and associate professor of engineering at the Marine Engine Testing and Emissions Laboratory.

After testing the diesel-glycerol hybrid fuel at METEL, researchers found a 25 to 50 percent reduction in smoke emissions compared to ultra-low sulfur fuel. NOx emissions were lowered by 5 to 15 percent.

Based on the test, the SeaChange Group and METEL have been awarded grant funding from the Maine Technology Institute and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The team will use the resources to test the hybrid fuel in working vessels throughout 2014.

For more of the Gizmag story: gizmag.com