Up Close: NOAA's Green Ship Initiative Led By Dennis Donahue And GLERL's Ship Operations Group

Thanks to the innovations put in place by NOAA marine superintendent, Dennis Donahue, and the 'Green Ships Initiative,' all three of NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory large diesel research vessels operate fully on bio-based, vegetable products. The R/V Huron Explorer, R/V Shenehon and R/V Laurentian, all use 100 percent soy biodiesel for engine fuel, canola-based motor oil and vegetable-based hydraulic oil for its deck crane, winches, transmission, and steering gear. Not only is this a cost effective way to help reduce environmental emissions, but it also has improved both ship performance and crew health and safety. The ships are the first in the U.S. fleet to operate on 100 percent bio-based products and GLERL has already received two national level awards for this environmental effort.