The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), through its Beyond Fossil Diesel initiative led by Michael Cashen, recently partnered with two forward-thinking commercial fishers in New South Wales to pilot the use of renewable diesel. Each participant blended renewable diesel with their regular fossil diesel to explore its potential in reducing emissions within the hard-to-abate fishing sector.

Commercial fishing relies heavily on diesel-powered vessels, making it a prime candidate for cleaner fuel alternatives. According to Seafood Industry Australia, renewable diesel presents the most promising pathway to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions across the fleet. Unlike biodiesel, renewable diesel is a direct substitute for fossil diesel, requiring no engine modifications and derived from sustainable sources such as canola, animal fats, and used cooking oils.

Encouragingly, both fishers reported no drop in vessel performance during the trial. One even observed a noticeable reduction in exhaust carbon pollution, highlighting the environmental benefits of the fuel.

New South Wales currently consumes around 7.5 billion litres of fossil diesel annually. While renewable diesel is presently imported and costs up to four times more than conventional diesel, several domestic projects are underway to produce low-carbon fuels locally—an essential step toward making renewable diesel more affordable and accessible.

This pilot is just one of many efforts aimed at strengthening primary industries and supporting Australia’s transition to a low-emissions future. Stay tuned as we continue to explore innovative solutions for a greener tomorrow.

Beyond Fossil Diesel @ Sea video on YouTube