Biofuel is a common term for fuel made from biological material. Oils from plants and waste can be turned into biodiesel. Biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels. Sustainable biodiesel could therefore result in lower emissions in the transport sector. Biodiesel does not cause major changes in internal combustion engines. The largest barrier for using biofuel in the transport sector is the availability of this fuel.
The aim of this pilot was to investigate the possibility of building a ferry powered exclusively with biodiesel. The pilot also investigated the sustainability of a biodiesel powered ferry, its NOx emissions, as well as the price and availability of biodiesel. The ferry has now been built and is the first of its kind with biodiesel plug-in hybrid technology. It is also prepared for possible fully electrical operation. In 2017, the newbuilding, which can take 60 cars, was handed over from Fiskerstrand Verft to Torghatten Trafikkselskap.
Status
MF Hornstind was completed in 2017. The ferry does not sail on biodiesel, but ordinary marine diesel. Biodiesel is not a relevant alternative during the remaining contract period in Nordland due to high price levels and insufficient availability. The ferry is also built to qualify as fully electric in future tenders with low- and zero-emission
requirements.
The pilot in its original form has ended, but the pilot owner and partners are continuing to seek solutions for access to biofuel. In September 2019, the Green Shipping Program initiated a new pilot for the use of biogas. Torghatten is also the pilot owner of the biogas pilot.