San Francisco’s Red and White Fleet switches to renewable fuel

APRIL 13, 2018 — San Francisco tour boat operator Red and White Fleet has switched its entire fleet of vessels from operating on conventional, petroleum based diesel fuel to using Neste MY Renewable Diesel.

Developed by Helsinki, Finland, headquartered Neste, MY Renewable Diesel is a low-carbon fuel produced from 100% renewable and sustainable raw materials.

According to Neste, the fuel cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% and significantly reduces engine-out emissions, all while enhancing fleet performance. Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a drop-in alternative to petroleum diesel and is distributed via the same fuel infrastructure.

“The use of renewable diesel supports our environmental commitment, a key component of our brand, and deepens the pride our team takes in our service,” said Joe Burgard, executive vice president of Red and White Fleet.

Red and White Fleet, founded in 1892, is San Francisco’s first and original boat cruise and one of the oldest businesses in the Bay area. It operates sightseeing tours of the San Francisco Bay Area in 16 different languages.

“We are constantly looking for opportunities to reduce our impact on the environment while providing the highest quality service,” Burgard said. “The use of Neste MY Renewable Diesel offered the reliability, performance and affordability that is critical to the success of our business.”

Red and White Fleet tried out other alternative fuels in the past, Burgard said, “which resulted in cost and maintenance impacts beyond what was initially anticipated, so we approached the use of renewable diesel with caution.”

The city of San Francisco and a number of public transit agencies supported Red and White Fleet’s research and transition to renewable diesel. Burgard reports the use of Neste MY renewable diesel to be “a seamless, affordable in-tank emission reduction strategy that appears to be adding life to our fuel filters.”

The company found absolutely no disruption to any aspects of its operation, from fueling procedures and maintenance intervals to vessel performance and costs. In addition, it has observed clean stack emissions and longer fuel filter life. “

The greatest operational benefit,” Burgard says, “has been the reduction of soot which is a benefit to both our riders and our machinery, all while reducing our impact on greenhouse gas emissions.”

“We are excited to partner with Red and White Fleet by providing them with a fuel that is clean, safe, renewable and odor free,” said Jeremy Baines, Vice President of Sales, Neste US, Inc. “Their decision places them amongst a growing list of progressive and forward-thinking San Francisco companies that want to ensure a better world through sustainable solutions.”

Western States Oil, based in San Jose, CA, is the exclusive distributor of Neste MY Renewable Diesel to Red and White Fleet.