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For the first time ever, a U.S. Navy ship has operated on a 100 percent drop-in renewable diesel fuel. The Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS), Ex-Paul F. Foster, completed final-phase testing of a 100 percent drop-in renewable diesel fuel as part of the Navy's MILSPEC qualification program.

ReadiDiesel - a 100 percent renewable biofuel - was developed by Applied Research Associates (ARA) and Chevron Lummus Global as a drop-in replacement for petroleum F-76 marine diesel.

The test period lasted approximately 12 hours along the southern California coast, while en route from San Diego to Port Hueneme. Navy engineers monitored the performance of the gas turbine engines and generators while running on petroleum F-76 prior to taking on the ReadiDiesel to establish a baseline for comparison. While operating on 100 percent ReadiDiesel, the ship is said to have successfully completed multiple engine starts and speed changes. No mechanical, operational or qualitative differences when operating on ReadiDiesel were reported.

The data collected from the trial is to be fully analyzed and the results summarized in a final report.

Prior to testing aboard the Ex-Paul F. Foster, ReadiDiesel went through fit-for-purpose, component, and full-scale engine testing. The component and full-scale engine testing included performance tests to determine the combustion quality and emissions. In all, ARA provided 79,000 gallons of ReadiDiesel for the test program.

ReadiDiesel, termed Catalytic Hydrothermolysis Conversion Diesel (CHCD-76) by the Navy, is a military-grade drop-in replacement for traditional F-76 that is produced from fats, oils, and greases by the biofuels isoconversion process. ReadiDiesel has the same molecular composition, boiling range distribution, and physical and energy density as petroleum fuels while producing lower emissions. ReadiDiesel is said to also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent compared to petroleum.

The Navy has pursued introducing drop-in renewable diesel to its operational supply as a means to increase operational flexibility and energy security.

"We are excited to work with the U.S. Navy as it takes this important step toward the use of 100 percent drop-in renewable diesel fuel in its ships. Our renewable fuels continue to prove their viability as 100 percent replacements for petroleum in diesel and jet fuel applications, and we look forward to the opportunity to work with our Navy partners to support their operational needs. Our goal remains to be able to provide an alternative, unblended renewable fuel that increases our nation's energy security at prices competitive with petroleum," said Chuck Red, Vice President of Fuels Development for ARA.

The project was a collaborative effort involving the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Energy Office (DASN Energy), Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), NSWC PHD and NSWC Philadelphia Division.

Reduction in emissions is just one of the positive environmental impacts of ReadiDiesel. The biofuels isoconversion process can use waste such as yellow grease from rendering facilities, used cooking oil, and brown grease recovered from grease traps as feedstocks. In addition to being compatible with current turbine and diesel engines, ReadiDiesel does not have to be segregated from its petroleum counterparts. The fuel can utilize existing petroleum infrastructure without the need to build additional, costly infrastructure for blending, transportation, and storage.

ARA and Chevron Lummus Global are currently engineering the first commercial-scale biofuels isoconversion refinery for its licensee, UrbanX Renewables Group. The 5,000-barrel-per-day refinery will be located in southern California and produce renewable diesel, jet, and naphtha from ultra-low carbon intensity waste oil feedstocks.

"We are continuing to take important, deliberate steps toward our goal of commercial scale production of 100 percent drop-in diesel and jet fuel from waste oils at prices competitive with their petroleum counterparts," said Red.