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Falmouth Harbour in Cornwall has become one of the first coastal ports in the United Kingdom to offer Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for sale to boat owners, in a practical step forward for decarbonisation within the maritime sector.
HVO, a renewable alternative to conventional marine diesel, is now available from the harbour's fuel berth after a full year of successful trials carried out on the port's own workboat fleet.
Tristan Rowe, Commercial Operations Manager at Falmouth Harbour, said the switch is straightforward for compatible vessels. 'If you have a compatible boat and want to be greener, it's a no-brainer to switch to HVO as it's such a similar product. Also, if you have been affected by a fuel bug issue at sea, HVO will give great peace of mind — that was a big factor in my choice to convert.'
He added: 'As one of the first UK coastal harbours to retail HVO, we're helping establish the market for lower-carbon marine fuels — which gives customers a practical choice to reduce their environmental impact at a considered and reasonable cost.'
The 6,500 square-foot refuelling facility is located at the Boat Park and Watersports Centre. It was funded through a £50,000 investment, half of which came from the Cornwall Council's Growth Hub Grants Programme, with additional support from the UK Government's Low Carbon Levelling Up Fund.
HVO is a renewable paraffinic diesel produced from sustainable, waste-derived feedstocks. It can cut carbon emissions by between 50 and 90 per cent compared with conventional diesel, while delivering cleaner combustion, improved storage stability, lower odour, and a reduced risk of microbial diesel bug contamination.
Miles Carden, Chief Executive of Falmouth Harbour, stressed the wider significance of the move. 'Harbours have a vital role to play in supporting the transition to lower-carbon maritime operations. Whilst there is no single solution to decarbonisation, HVO provides a practical option for many existing vessels to reduce their environmental impact without major modifications or replacing engines.'
He continued: 'This investment, made possible through the Government's Low Carbon Levelling Up Fund, shows how relatively modest public funding can unlock practical improvements that benefit boat owners, commercial operators and the wider environment.'
HVO has been trialled across the harbour's work fleet, including the new £1.6 million pilot boat Atlantic, designed and built by Holyhead Marine in North Wales — one of the cleanest and most fuel-efficient pilot boats in the UK.
Tristan Weedon, Director at Mitchell & Webber, the HVO supplier, confirmed that the fuel's chemical structure is nearly identical to ordinary diesel, allowing direct substitution in many marine engines. 'We are delighted to work with Falmouth Harbour to improve access to renewable marine fuels in Cornwall. HVO is a proven renewable diesel that enables vessels to reduce their lifecycle carbon footprint immediately while continuing to operate efficiently and reliably. We hope this marks another important step in supporting the maritime sector's transition to lower-carbon operations using existing infrastructure.'
It is worth noting that HVO is not a conventional biodiesel (FAME) but a paraffinic diesel produced to the EN 15940 standard, and should only be used in engines and equipment approved by manufacturers for this fuel type. Deliveries are available by appointment between 9 am and 5 pm on weekdays and weekends during the summer. Direct-to-vessel refuelling is also offered within one hour either side of high tide from the boat park quay wall or pontoon, depending on vessel type and size. Bookings can be made by calling 01326 310999 or visiting the boat park office.
Source: Falmouth Packet