Rotterdam tug is first to use synthetic diesel

GTL, which stands for gas-to-liquids, is a liquid fuel made from natural gas converted into synthetic diesel. GTL is claimed to produce far lower emissions of NOx, SOx, particulates and black smoke than regular diesel.

The Smit Elbe will use GTL for a period of about six months in order to determine whether the fuel is able to effect a sizeable reduction in emissions without the need for modifications to the engines.

On-board emission measurements will be carried out at regular intervals. This pilot project will provide possibilities for a more general emissions reduction policy for Rotterdam. Boskalis says it is part of the company’s general energy and carbon reduction activities in the Netherlands.