Alternative Fuels for Fishing Vessels

The primary purpose of this project was to assist the Australian fishing industry to achieve reduced fuel costs, greater fuel security and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Those with most to gain are enterprises where large volumes of fuel energy are consumed. Most States have several trawl fisheries, and trawling is recognised as fuel hungry fishing method. However, passive fishing methods also have the potential to consume large quantities of fuel, especially when vessels need to travel at high speeds over great distances. Even aquaculture operations have something to gain, especially where tender vessels are used in towing cages, feeding programs and general farm management. Based on an estimate of 270 million litres of fuel being consumed in Australian fisheries, a conservative 5% saving in fuel costs could yield a benefit of the order of $13.5 million dollars per annum. A secondary benefit, yet no less important, is the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that comes with reducing fuel consumption and the adoption of alternative fuels such as natural gas or biofuels. Thus, the project aimed to evaluate alternative fuels suited to fishing vessels for reduction of fuel costs and, if possible, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.