Steamship-Focused Renewable Fuel Trials
Diesel Direct and Steamship Authority Test R99 Diesel
Kalin Ned — September 26, 2025Diesel Direct is facilitating a pilot program in collaboration with the Steamship Authority, the ferry service for Martha’s Vineyard, to trial the use of R99 renewable diesel in marine operations. The trial is noted as being the first of its kind for a marine operator on the East Coast.
This initiative involves powering the vessel M/V Island Home with the alternative R99 fuel, which is derived from biological sources rather than petroleum. A key characteristic of Diesel Direct's renewable diesel product is its status as a 'drop-in' replacement, meaning it is chemically comparable to conventional diesel and can be used in existing engines without requiring any mechanical modifications.
The Steamship Authority's implementation of the R99 fuel is expected to substantially decrease greenhouse gas emissions, with projections ranging from fifty to seventy-eight percent compared to standard ultra-low-sulfur diesel.