Initially serving the Harbour’s own workboat fleet, the facility will later open to leisure and commercial users, offering a cleaner fuel option while longer-term solutions develop.
A practical bridge away from fossil fuels
Falmouth Harbour is now among the UK’s harbours adopting renewable HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) to power its workboats thanks to a new refuelling facility. The £50,000, 6,500-litre facility, located at the Harbour’s Marine Hub, was made possible through 50% match-funding from Cornwall Council.
Having already trialled HVO in part of its fleet, Falmouth Harbour is now using it in its new £1.6 million state-of-the-art Pilot Boat Atlantic. Operationally critical, the vessel was built by Holyhead Marine in North Wales, and designed to be one of the cleanest, safest, and most fuel-efficient pilot boats in the UK.
Cornwall-based distributor Mitchell & Webber supplies the renewable fuel, which shares a chemical structure with diesel – allowing many marine engines to switch without modification.
“A good interim fuel”
Falmouth Harbour 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.”
Environmental and safety benefits
HVO supplied to the Harbour is certified low-carbon and sustainably sourced under ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) and RFAS (Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme) schemes.
Mitchell & Webber Director Tristan Weedon said: “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 make it an ideal fuel for a marine environment.”
Support for local climate goals
Cornwall Council’s Growth Hub Grants Programme, part of the Good Growth Programme delivering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is helping to make the project a reality.
Portfolio holder for environment and climate change, Cllr Loic Rich, 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.”
Opening to the wider boating community
The HVO facility is undergoing an eight-week trial with the Harbour’s workboats. Once successfully completed, it will be available for leisure boat owners whose engines are approved for HVO use.
Photo credit: Falmouth Harbour Team.