Steamship Authority to continue pilot use of renewable diesel fuel

FALMOUTH (August 29, 2026) – The Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority took its first delivery of renewable diesel fuel on Friday as it extended its testing of its use on its largest vessel, the M/V Island Home.

The fuel, known as R99, is chemically the same as the ultra low-sulfur marine diesel currently used by the Authority, but it is made of recently living biomass. It can be used interchangeably with traditional diesel fuel without the need for engine modifications, and it can be mixed with traditional diesel fuel without incident.

According to a “wheel-to-wheel” analysis of the fuel, which includes feedstock production and transportation, fuel production and distribution, and the use of the finished fuel emissions, R99 produces a minimum of 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and as much as a 78%, depending on feedstock inputs.

The fuel has long been in use on the West Coast to great success. The Authority first tested R99 in summer 2025 to positive results, but supply chain issues and increased costs made continued use of fuel challenging. After working with Diesel Direct, the Authority’s fuel supplier, an alternative source for the fuel was identified and the Board authorized an additional test period through December 31, 2026. The Authority will purchase up to 200,000 gallons of the fuel at a $165,000 upcharge during this period for use on the M/V Island Home, which serves the Authority’s Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard route.

“Our initial test of R99 was extremely positive, so it’s important that we continue to conduct trial runs with this biodiesel in different operating conditions and our examination of its effectiveness,” said General Manager Alex Kryska. “The premium charge associated with this fuel will need to be factored into the cost of our operations should its use expand, but we owe it to our port communities to pursue this possibility.”

The manufacturers of all engines used in the Authority’s fleet Authority have endorsed the use of R99, including John Deere, EMD, and Caterpillar.

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Since 1960, the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority has served as the transportation lifeline to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard year-round. The Steamship Authority is the largest ferry service to the islands and offers the most frequent daily departures for passengers, automobiles, groups and trucks. In 2024, more than 2.9 million passengers and nearly 674,000 vehicles of all sizes were transported to and from the islands. Our U.S. Coast Guard-certified crews are committed to the highest level of safety at sea while our vessels offer comfort and convenience with spacious seating, free Wi-Fi and TV on board.

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