The Royal Australian Navy signs an agreement with the US Navy to explore the increased use of environmentally friendly fuels
Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN and the US Secretary for Navy, Ray Mabus, have signed a Statement of Cooperation which recognises the potentially significant benefits research into alternative fuels can bring. It acknowledges the importance of the project, both for the environment and for national security.
The RAN’s Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, AM, CSC, RAN delivered the Statement of Cooperation for the signing ceremony on board the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz with Secretary Mabus on 19 July.
As part of the event, a Royal Australian Navy Seahawk helicopter landed on USS Nimitz and refuelled with a biofuel blend, before flying the Fleet Commander to HMAS Darwin. This is the first time a RAN aircraft has flown with a biofuel blend.
“All of us have a responsibility to be more environmentally aware. As things stand today, biofuel remains too costly to use across our fleet. However, this project could lead to a cheaper alternative fuel,” he said.
The US Navy is moving towards the general use of a 50/50 blended biofuel product by 2020.