U.S. Navy Sets Algal Fuel Speed Record

December 26, 2011
AlgaeIndustryMagazine.com

sing a 50/50 blend of hydro-processed algal oil and petroleum F-76 blend, a U.S. Navy amphibious craft reached a speed of 50 knots, in the Navy’s final test of algal fuel for the year, at Panama City, FL. This was the fastest speed achieved by a Navy craft so far using algal-derived fuel. The previous top speed of 44.5 knots was recorded by the Riverine Command Boat in October 2010 at Norfolk, VA.

The vehicle tested was a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) amphibious transport vehicle, designed for moving a Marine Air/Ground Task Force—including equipment, cargo, and personnel—from ship to shore and over the beach. The vehicles have four gas turbine engines, and two generators that traditionally run on NATO F76 or NATO F44. They have a 7,000 gallon fuel capacity, an average range of 200 nautical miles, and can carry up to 150,000 pounds.

The test was staged in the Gulf of Mexico using two different fuel configurations, one conventional and one algal-blend, for comparison purposes. The LCAC received approximately 5,000 gallons of the 50/50 algal blend. The craft performed flawlessly. The operators were able to use high power; and reported that the craft handled beautifully and without problems.

These tests are part of the ongoing effort of the U.S Navy to develop a ‘green’ strike group by 2012, and deploy a strike group composed completely of alternatively powered ships, “The Great Green Fleet,” by 2016.

Go to Page