The Great Lakes Alliance for Sustainable Shipping is creating new resources to help the maritime industry access biodiesel.
Hanna Campbell helps manage the alliance with the Michigan Soybean Committee.
“It’s so incredible, I’m talking hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel going into marine vessels here,” she says. “And the nice thing about biodiesel, we talk about it all the time, it’s a drop-in fuel.”
She indicates that volunteer working groups are finalizing an interactive map to find biodiesel distributors. “The map will show folks in the maritime shipping industry where they will be able to locate fuel distributors who are offering what biodiesel blends at any given time,” Campbell explains. “We’re also in the finishing stages of a marine biodiesel transition guide.”
The alliance is also evaluating opportunities where marine infrastructure could be expanded in the Great Lakes to move more agricultural goods, as well as ways to engage young people with potential careers in trucking.
Campbell says the checkoff welcomes more farmers and stakeholders interested in supporting efforts even further.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Large ships can consume very large amounts of biodiesel, several thousand gallons at a time. This effort by the GL Biodiesel Alliance is certainly on target to boost the use of soy-based diesel. Once again, we witness local, state or national commodity groups, such as the Michigan Soybean Committee, making a difference by implementing practical ways to improve use and demand of their products.
Speaking of improving use of products, when is the last time you asked your parts or service department how they could assist with efforts to lure more farmers/ranchers into the dealership? They may come up with some great ideas if you ask. Also, using CAD Protect, the warranty program specifically designed to cover farm/ranch vehicles when the OEM doesn’t, could increase demand for their services and parts.
