iscover
For the first time in its service, ADV Reliant, Australia’s Pacific support vessel, has reached a new clean energy milestone by refuelling with renewable diesel fuel while docked in Townsville.
Renewable diesel is a replacement for fossil-based marine diesel and can be used without making any modification to the ship and its equipment. Brigadier Mark Baldock, General Fuel Capability director, said this latest tangible effort is a demonstration of Defence’s commitment to increasing sustainable practice while still maintaining world standard defence capabilities.
“Renewable diesel offers a practical pathway to strengthen Australia’s sovereign fuel supply, while contributing to a more sustainable Defence force,” BRIG Baldock said.
“By improving our ability to operate flexibly across a range of fuel types, Defence is now better equipped to adopt cleaner and more resilient energy solutions across our operations.”
ADV Reliant is an important offshore support vessel that is currently active in the Pacific Island region to deliver supplies and equipment to communities and areas in need of assistance from the global community. This most recent refuel displays the commitment to maintaining peace and security in a sustainable method without compromising the proficiency of the vessel.
“The fuelling of ADV Reliant with renewable diesel marks a significant step in our efforts to integrate sustainable fuel alternatives into Navy operations,” said Support Force Commander, Commodore Heath Roberston.
“This initiative will provide critical support to national emissions reduction objectives, particularly in the south-west Pacific, where the effects of climate change are already being felt.”
The Australian defence industry has been working to incorporate more sustainable and renewable fuel practices recently, with the Western Australia government announcing earlier this month over $1 million in funding development for renewable aviation diesel and biofuel. Renewable diesel is also being used to power Australia’s M113 armoured personnel carriers and Light Armoured Vehicles, announced last month.
