Southampton’s National Oceanography Centre trials low-carbon fuel

Last Thursday was World Maritime Day, and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Southampton marked the occasion by putting fossil-free marine diesel to the test.

Two of the centre’s Royal Research Ships – James Cook and Discovery – are now powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), made from used vegetable oils and fats as well as non-food crops.

HVO can be used as a ‘drop-in’ replacement in marine engines and its lifecycle CO2 emissions are much lower than those of fossil fuels.

The trial is being funded by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council, which owns the vessels, in an effort to achieve net zero emission operations by 2040.

Kevin Williams, head of research ships engineering at NOC, said: “As a research organisation, NOC is focused on understanding and protecting our ocean.

“Reducing our own environmental footprint is a key part of that and the carbon emissions from our vessels is a major part of that.”

During the trial, HVO will replace the low-sulphur marine gas oil normally used by the NOC.

HVO is a relatively stable biofuel, making it suitable for the different conditions in which NOC vessels operate – from tropical regions to the Arctic.

The trial is part of wider efforts at the centre to lower emissions.

For vessels, this includes using on-board batteries to reduce running of the engines during scientific operations, as well as a greater focus on marine operations planning to find more efficient routes and cut transit times.