Port authority tests low and zero-emission fuels as part of net-zero aims

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and its partners from across the port community are testing various low- and zero-emission fuels and technologies.
This is part of the port authority’s efforts to phase out all port-related emissions by 2050 in support of the Government of Canada’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions. 
Through the Low-Emission Technology Initiative, a joint initiative between the port authority and the Province of British Columbia, the port authority and the province have each committed funding to support the port community’s transition to low-emission energy, including 100% biodiesel on commercial ferries and 100% renewable diesel on a terminal locomotive and one of the port authority’s patrol boats.  
“Charting our course towards a zero-emission port starts with collaborative efforts like these—between the port authority, the port community, and government—to test innovative new low-emission fuels and technologies that reduce emissions while keeping trade moving through the Port of Vancouver,” said Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
“We plan to continue taking tangible steps, in close collaboration with our partners across the port, towards our goal of phasing out all port-related emissions by 2050.” 
Efforts to test low-emission fuels include a six-month trial of 100% renewable diesel on one of the port authority’s patrol boats, the Takaya, making the port authority the first federal agency in Canada to run a vessel on 100% renewable diesel.
Renewable diesel is a non-fossil fuel energy source derived from a range of organic sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats and food waste.
Using renewable diesel can result in up to 80% less net greenhouse gas emissions than regular diesel on a life-cycle basis. Shell Canada, a partner on this project, supplied the renewable diesel and provided significant technical expertise.