Falmouth Harbour Introduces Renewable HVO Fuel to Cut Emissions from Workboat Fleet

Falmouth Harbour has taken a major step towards cleaner seas by switching to renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel for its fleet of workboats. The move is expected to slash carbon emissions by up to 90% compared with traditional diesel.

Greener Fuel for Cornwall’s Marine Gateway

A new £50,000 refuelling facility has been installed at the Harbour’s Marine Hub, supported with 50% match-funding from Cornwall Council’s Growth Hub Grants Programme. It supplies HVO fuel made from renewable sources like used cooking oil and vegetable oils, which absorb carbon dioxide during plant growth.

When used, HVO releases only the CO2 absorbed during its production, creating what’s known as a closed-loop cycle — meaning there is no net increase in atmospheric CO2.

📷HVO suppliers Mitchell & Webber and Falmouth Harbour Pilot team - photo Cornwall Council Growth Hub

Testing Underway Across the Work Fleet

Falmouth Harbour is currently trialling the fuel across its fleet, including the recently launched £1.6 million Pilot Boat Atlantic, designed and built by Holyhead Marine to be one of the cleanest and most fuel-efficient of its kind in the UK.

CEO Miles Carden said,
“We’re really pleased that HVO can be used as a part of a transition away from fossil fuels and we feel it is a good interim fuel to enable us to rapidly reduce Green House Gas emissions from our existing fleet of work vessels. We will continue to proactively explore future fuel options as technology progresses.”

Fuel That’s Safer and Cleaner

The HVO is supplied by Mitchell & Webber, who confirmed that its chemical structure closely resembles standard diesel, making it compatible with many marine engines.

Director Tristan Weedon explained,
**“As pioneers in introducing HVO fuel to our varied domestic and commercial customers Mitchell & Webber are absolutely delighted to support Falmouth Harbour in implementing this renewable fuel for their fleet of work-boats.

“HVO fuel is biodegradable, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-hydroscopic (it doesn’t absorb water) and has a higher flashpoint — so not only is it a greener fuel, but it is safer — all of which factors make it an ideal fuel for a marine environment.”**

All HVO fuel used at the harbour is certified under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) and Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) to ensure it comes from sustainable, low-carbon sources.

📷Falmouth Pilot Boat Atlantic - photo Falmouth Harbour

Council Support for Greener Ports

The funding was delivered through the Good Growth Programme, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Cllr Loic Rich, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change, said,
“Reducing our Carbon footprint is a key priority for Cornwall Council and I am delighted to see us using Good Growth funding to help make a real difference at one of our key ports. I hope that, by switching to HVO, Falmouth Harbour will be leading the way for others to follow towards a greener future.”

Coming Soon: HVO for Leisure Boats?

Over the next eight weeks, the new fuel facility will be rigorously tested with the Harbour’s workboats. If successful, leisure boat owners who have approval from their engine manufacturers may also be able to use the renewable fuel later this year.

More information about Falmouth Harbour’s environmental efforts and services can be found at www.falmouthharbour.co.uk or by visiting the Harbour’s Leisure Team at the Marine Hub on Grove Place slipway.

📷HVO - teams from Falmouth Harbour R and Mitchell & Webber L - photo Cornwall Council Growth Hub