Vetus D, M-Line marine diesel engines approved for use with renewable diesel

The Netherlands-based Vetus, creator of complete onboard boat systems, announced Nov. 7 that approval has now been granted to use hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel, on its D and M-Line series of marine diesel engines.

The approval and certification follow an intense period of bench and field tests.

HVO is a diesel-like fuel that can be produced without fossil resources.

This lower-carbon fuel is a more sustainable alternative to diesel and contains low sulfur and aromatics.

HVO is derived from a variety of lipid sources, the most common including vegetable oil, tallow and used cooking oil.

The use of renewable fuels such as HVO substantially decreases exhaust emissions by up to 90 percent in carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.

HVO burns more cleanly than mineral diesel.

In addition, due to its good oxidation stability, it is not prone to bacterial growth.

HVO can be used as a direct replacement for fossil diesel in any certified Vetus engine, either pure (EN 15940) or blended in any proportion with diesel (EN 590).

The use of HVO requires no engine modifications, which brings big benefits to existing customers who can switch over to HVO with no additional costs.

“Vetus has already made big inroads into zero-emission propulsion with the development of its E-Drive electric-propulsion series,” said Sander Gesink, marketing director for Vetus. “The approval of HVO for our D and M-Line engines is another significant advancement for our customers who wish to cut their emissions while enjoying time on the water.”

When switching to HVO fuel, Vetus recommends engine owners refer to their Vetus representative or dealer and follow operations manual instructions.