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Apr 23, 2009
Charleston tug boats switch to cleaner fuel
Continuing the Charleston maritime community’s “Pledge for Growth” environmental commitment, a local tug boat operator is switching half its fleet to cleaner-burning fuels. The fuel switch was made possible through grant funding awarded by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Last week, DHEC, through the federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program, awarded grants to nine organizations across the state in both the public and private sector.
Moran Charleston will upgrade one tug to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) three years ahead of federal mandate and another tug to a biodiesel blend. The funding covers the additional cost of buying the cleaner fuel, which ranges from 10 to 22 cents more per gallon than regular diesel. Moran will receive 75 percent of the cost difference in DERA grant funding and will cover the remaining 25 percent. Moran’s project involves switching its largest Charleston-based tug, the 6,140-horsepower Elizabeth Turecamo, to ULSD. This change will provide an estimated 10 percent reduction in particulate matter emissions. The company also will switch the Cape May, a 3,000-horsepower twin screw tug, to a B20 biodiesel/ULSD blend, reducing particulate matter by 9 percent, carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by 10 percent and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions by 21 percent. Moran joins other organizations in the local maritime community using cleaner fuels to reduce port-related air emissions. The Charleston Branch Pilots Association, South Carolina State Ports Authority, South Carolina Public Railways and tenants have switched to ULSD in all pilot boats, on-terminal lifting equipment, and locomotives, respectively. Moran provides ship docking and harbor towing services to vessels using the Port of Charleston. It is the successor company to White Stack Maritime, which had served the Port of Charleston since 1882.
 
Intermodal transportation: The next wave?
 Holidays are almost over, for those lucky enough to go on vacation. I spent my time away from the sea, and well above sea level. Just for reassurance. As you might know, the majority of Dutch grounds are below sea level (about 65%), and we keep dry feet by pumping water. Without that, we would build our sandcastle around "Amersfoort at the Sea" (a city some 80km inland).
However, spending time in the Alps, some 800m above sea level, my rectangular box driven mind did not come to a complete standstill, wondering about hinterland transportation.
New Strategy & Development Director appointed at Dunkerque Port
 Jean-Frédéric Laurent has just been appointed Strategy and Development Director of Dunkerque Port, replacing Pierre Joly on his retirement. He is 41. |
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