Canada goes green with biodiesel

Partners in the BioMer project announced a $563,000 project to demonstrate that biodiesel is a viable alternative fuel for river cruise ships.

The project, which runs from June to October, will test the use of pure biodiesel (B100) as a fuel supply for a fleet of various types and sizes of river cruisers operating in two very tourist-intensive areas: the Old Port of Montreal and the Lachine Canal National Historic Site. In addition to measuring emissions, the BioMer project will highlight the impact of biodiesel (a fuel made from vegetable oil, recycled cooking oil or animal fats) on marine engine performance and river ecology.

The Government of Canada will allocate a total of $323,000 to the project through a partnership that includes Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada.

The BioMer project represents a major technological breakthrough and showcases the R&D work conducted in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region in marine science and technology. Innovation in biofuels is positioning Canada as a world leader in the area of effective green industry.

Two of the project’s key initiators are the Sine Nomine Group and Maritime Innovation’s Technology Transfer Centre. “By demonstrating that it is technically feasible and commercially viable to use biodiesel in the maritime sector, the BioMer project helps to develop innovative expertise in greenhouse gas reduction and to create a new industry with potential applications on the national and international level,” pointed out Maritime Innovation CEO Jacques Paquin.

Rothsay, a subsidiary of Maple Leaf Foods located in Ville Sainte-Catherine that specializes in the recycling of agro-industry wastes, will produce the pure biodiesel and supply the fuel during the project.