Australian Navy to Follow US Biofuel Move

The Royal Australian Navy will be converting its ships to be biofuel ready within six years in response to the US Navy’s move to biofuel use. 

The Australian newspaper reports that this will ensure the Australian navy can continue to cooperate with the US, which is expected to have its fleet converted by 2020. A common approach is seen as critical for joint operations involving Australian and US warships and aircraft, as fuel is exchanged if required.

Under an agreement with the US, revealed in The Australian almost two years ago, Australia is able to take advantage of the technologies developed by the US for biofuel use. 

The Royal Australian Navy plans to send a frigate and helicopter running on biofuel to the US navy’s Great Green Fleet demonstration in 2016.