When the University of Rhode Island’s research ship Endeavor topped off its 53,000 gallon fuel tanks last month, it filled up with refined biodiesel, making it the first ship in the U.S. research fleet to use the alternative fuel. It’s the first step in the University’s plan to transform the 185-foot vessel into the most energy-efficient and “green” research vessel in the country.

“It is vitally important that as we study the marine environment around the world on this great research vessel that we have the smallest environmental impact possible,” said Dennis Nixon, the associate dean for research and administration at URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography. “The first step in that transformation was the policy decision to use locally-produced biodiesel fuel for the ship’s generators and main engine. We are committed to using biodiesel whenever the ship refuels in Rhode Island, and we will attempt to secure biodiesel when it refuels in distant ports as well.”

About 14,000 gallons of B5 biodiesel, produced by Newport Biodiesel and blended and delivered by Malloy Biodiesel, were delivered to the ship in December. The fuel contains about five percent biofuel mixed with diesel, and it generally costs slightly less per gallon than regular diesel fuel. Nixon said the goal is to gradually increase the percentage of biofuel to about 20 percent.

The URI Foundation has established a Greening the Endeavor Fund dedicated to providing funds to continue to reduce the environmental impact of the ship’s operation. The fund will provide for more efficient lighting, galley appliances, water heaters, water makers, and other equipment, as well as for upgrading engine seals to allow for the use of progressively higher amounts of biodiesel fuel.

For more information, please see the full press release at this link.

To contribute to the Greening the Endeavor Fund, click on this link.