“Fill and Go”

First Passenger Ferry in North America Tested with Water Blended Fuel

A mechanic would typically recommend that drivers not get water in their fuel line. Yet, that’s exactly what the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transit District has deliberately chosen to do in its Golden Gate Ferry. The WTA partnered with GGBHTD, the agency that operates the Golden Gate Ferry Fleet, for a first-time-ever demonstration project to test PuriNOx™ fuel, a blend of diesel fuel and water, on the MV Golden Gate for three weeks on its run from Sausalito to San Francisco.

“The WTA is particularly excited about fill-and-go technologies, such as PuriNOx™ fuel and biodiesel, that could be used quickly without the need for costly engine modifications. Although more expensive than traditional diesel, the cost of PuriNOx,™ fuel is a practical, affordable option for existing vessels looking to reduce diesel emissions,” said Mary Culnane, WTA Manager of Marine Engineering.

David Clark, GGBHTD’s Ferry Division Manager said, “The District is committed to assisting the WTA by cooperating on this project by testing PuriNOx,™ fuel on ferries. This is a unique opportunity for us to help collect data that will be included in the WTA’s regional plan for ferry expansion.”

Cutting Through the Haze

Almost five years ago Lubrizol Corporation, a Cleveland based corporation, teamed up with Caterpillar, Inc. to develop PuriNOx,™ fuel. Lubrizol is a $1.8 billion corporation specializing in high performance chemical, systems and services. Caterpillar provided the engine know-how and Lubrizol the chemical knowledge. Out of the partnership an engine-friendly and cost-favorable fuel was born. The fuel has been evaluated in environmentally sensitive areas such as in California on both highway and non-highway diesel engine equipment.

Because PuriNOx,™ fuel requires no hardware add-ons or engine modifications, it is known as “fill-and-go” technology and is easy to implement. PuriNOx,™ fuel is especially useful for older, high-mileage engines that tend to “smoke” using traditional diesel. PuriNOx,™ fuel is composed of 20% water, 77% diesel and the 3% additive developed by Lubirzol to bind the water and diesel. The water lowers the combustion temperature and modifies the combustion process to reduce smog-creating compounds.

“The State of California has shown confidence in PuriNOx’s™ technology effectiveness as a clean diesel fuel,” said Bill Hagstrand, Lubrizol’s marketing manager for the West Cost. “The California Air Resources Board (CARB) verified the emissions benefits of this technology with data showing reduction in particulate matter of 63% and 14% in NOx. A big boost came when California recently approved a reduction in the excise fuel tax for on-road users of PuriNOx™ fuel,” added Hagstrand.”

Some successful examples of PuriNOx™ fuel include:

Although not originally designed for marine applications, the WTA and GGBHTD decided that the opportunity to test this fuel should not be lost. Lubrizol’s long list of references was very important to the GGBHTD’s considering this test project. Caterpillar Engine Company extended the MV Golden Gate’s engine warranty to PuriNOx™ fuel, which was critical to closing this deal. The WTA is providing funding to cover the costs differences of this fuel.

Al Boro, Mayor of San Rafael, WTA Board and GGBHTD Board Member, is very enthusiastic about this project: “I’m proud to serve on the boards of two agencies that are gathering the information needed to improve our future environment.”

Before fueling the MV Golden Gate with this clean diesel, the WTA’s air quality consultants took baseline emissions data and will perform emission testing while the ferryboat is operating on PuriNOx™ fuel in order to substantiate the emission reduction. The results will be evaluated in May along with how the boat performed while on PuriNOx™ fuel and any mechanical issues that arose with its use.

Commuters Want Clean Transit Options

A recent public opinion survey commissioned by the WTA indicated that 71 percent of those questioned would prefer taking a mode of transit that is good for the environment. Taking steps to decrease the adverse air quality effects from public transit doubles this benefit.

Recognizing that commuters support an enhanced, clean public transportation system, GGBHTD evaluated the nation’s first methanol powered buses from 1983 to 1989. This project study noted remarkable reductions in particulate matter and other emissions. Unfortunately, because of high costs methanol was not considered a viable fuel at that time. Currently, GGBHTD and AC Transit are working out the details of a Zero Emission Bus Demonstration Project that includes the purchase and operation of up to six hydrogen fuel cell powered buses.

Supervisor Mark Leno, San Francisco’s representative on the GGBHTD, recently expressed his support for public transportation demonstration projects testing low-emission fuels. “The WTA’s commitment to research and development in the area of alternative and low-emission fuels will forge the path nationwide for a cleaner fleet of marine vessels,” Leno predicted. Leno sponsored a successful bond measure last November seeking voter approval to pay for installing solar panels and wind machines in San Francisco.

“We have taken the California Legislature’s directive to examine the feasibility or new fuel and propulsion technologies seriously,” said Tom Bertken, the WTA’s Chief Executive Officer. “The WTA’s demonstration projects over the past year include soybean biodiesel, fuel cells, clean diesel and continuous water injection. We need options that will reduce emissions cost effectively, “ added Bertken.

WTA’s Clean Fuels and Tech Report Ready in May.

Bay Commuters Can Spare the Air by Participating in Bike to Work Day

On May 16, hundreds of workers will hop on their bikes and pedal to work. Bike to Work Day, now in its 8th year, continues to gain popularity with Bay Area residents eager to reduce traffic congestion, save the environment, and stay healthy by biking to the office. Commuters crossing the Bay to work needn’t feel left out because the ferry system presents the perfect opportunity for individuals to grab their bikes, ride down to the shoreline, drift across the Bay and continue on to their destinations.

Ferry operators have long recognized the importance of using bicycles to connect people to alternative transit modes. Racks are installed on ferries so that bicycles are safely stashed or, if preferred, bikes can be stored in lockers at certain terminals. Staff is always happy to help bicyclists with boarding and exiting boats. Faced with parking limitations, commuters must examine other ways of getting to ferry terminals, whether it be by walking, biking, bus, light rail, or BART. Often times biking provides the quickest, most direct route to a terminal. In San Francisco alone 25,000 to 30,000 folks use their bikes regularly for work, shopping and recreation. On Bike to Work Day, this number increases by the thousands.

“Integrating various modes of transportation builds momentum toward a society no longer reliant on automobiles. Using bicycles as a way to connect to ferries supports a clean, healthy commute environment,” commented Leah Shahum, SF Bicycle Coalition Program Director and GGBHTD Board Member.