A Royal Australian Navy Seahawk helicopter passes over
United States Ship Nimitz after being refuelled with Biofuel during the Great
Green Fleet agreement. (photo : Aus DoD)
The Royal Australian Navy has signed an agreement with the
US Navy to explore the increased use of environmentally friendly fuels.
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.
Rear Admiral Barrett said the project had enormous
potential.
“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.
The RAN will observe the USN as it further develops the use
of alternative fuels in time for a joint deployment in 2016. The ‘Great Green
Fleet’ initiative aims to replicate the famous ‘Great White Fleet’ deployment
when US
ships circumnavigated the globe in 1907.
“We are making sure
that we look to the future so that we can continue to operate with the US as we do in
company around the world,” Rear Admiral Barrett said.
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.
(Aus DoD)
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