Ocean Fisheries

"The Jubilee is believed to be the first commercial fishing vessel in New Zealand to run on B100, and possibly the first new commercial engine on land or sea to do so."

Prior to switching from ordinary diesel to biodiesel blends, Ocean Fisheries liaised with their vessels’ motor manufacturers – who recommended using a blend of no higher than 5% biodiesel with ordinary diesel. Deeming that figure overly cautious, given demonstrated safe use at higher percentages, and too diluted to deliver any significant engine-related benefits, Ocean Fisheries proceeded with plans to use higher percentage blends. A major factor in this decision was their confidence in Biodiesel New Zealand’s technical expertise and support, and in their ability to supply high-quality fuel – made to the European Standard, EN14214 – on an ongoing basis.
The 19 metre trawler Frontier was the first of the fleet to trial a biodiesel blend. From July 2007 it has successfully used both B20 and B60 blends (20% and 60% biodiesel blended with ordinary diesel). The 13 metre trawler Nessie J joined the fleet in March 2009, and uses B20.
A new trawler, the 16 metre Jubilee, was launched in January 2008, fitted with a 350 HP Scania motor (DI 12 59M) designed to run on 100% biodiesel (B100). The motor was no problem to source, says Tim, and no more expensive than other diesel motors. They went through sign-off with Scania in NZ and overseas.