The North Carolina Ports are joining the green revolution by purchasing new biodiesel tanks.

The three biodiesel tanks will soon be arriving at the Port of Wilmington and Morehead City. The tanks are part of an initiative to use environmentally friendly methods to fuel its operating equipment.

“North Carolina’s Ports’ implementation of greener and more environmentally-friendly operations demonstrates our environmental stewardship while bringing economic prosperity in jobs and tax revenues to the region and State,” said Ports Authority Board of Directors Chairman Carl J. Stewart, Jr. in a statement.
In July 2007, the Ports Authority began using ultra low sulfur diesel as its off-road diesel fuel, and will soon make that mix 20 percent biofuel. This amount will help reduce overall diesel consumption by an estimated 20 percent.

Two biodiesel tanks will be at the Port of Wilmington, one holds 20,000 gallons and another holds 10,000 gallons. Port of Morehead City will receive one 10,000-gallon tank.

The tanks will be installed by Jones and Frank Corporation of Raleigh. According to a press release, the North Carolina Clean Air grant of $104,000 will cover part of the $126,000 cost with Port Authority funds making up the difference.

“For North Carolina’s ports and the port industry as a whole, diesel emissions have become a major reduction effort,” said Thomas J. Eagar, CEO, NC State Ports Authority in a statement. “The transition to biodiesel advances the Authority’s emission reduction efforts and demonstrates our commitment to overall reduction in dependence on petroleum."