MARINE BIO FUEL

Marine Bio fuel, or pure vegetal oil as marine fuel

The aim of this project is to test, then to generalize, depending on results obtained (the optimum mixing rate to be determined during the different phases of the operation), the use of pure vegetal oil as fuel for the « Barcarin 4 » ferry engines. This ferry ensures crossings of the Rhone River in the Camargue Regional Nature Park. The natural environment is particularly sensitive to exhaust emissions, as well to pollution risk during fuelling.

This project was approved in January 2007.

Operating 8000 hours annually, this ferry is a unique test bench. Positive results should enable such use with fishing boats, mainly equipped with the same type of engines.

Pure vegetal oil is to be produced locally; the goal is to initiate a short local chain (production with an environmental charter, grinding up, logistics, energy valorisation of oil cakes through individual or semi-collective heating). This component falls under the responsibility of urban and national planning authorities.

Administrative and financial procedures have to be set with the competent State authorities.

Project leader

Syndicat Mixte des Traversées du Delta du Rhône

Industrial partners

Wartsila, Total, C.A.M.I, Atelier Phocéen Mécanique, Newénergies and Olisol

Research partners

SMTDR and Ecole Centrale of Marseille

Institutional partners

Chamber of Commerce (CCI) of Arles, Farmers’ Association (Chambre d’agriculture), Camargue Natural Park

Budget

786 KE over 36 months

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