Icelandic Fishing Trawler Conducts Successful Trial Running on Biodiesel

An important milestone for Iceland was reached last December 15th, as the commercial fishing vessel Björgúlfur EA 312 returned to the Dalvík harbour from an unusual 3-day fishing trip. The unusual part being that Björgúlfur used for the first time, a domestic energy source. This new energy source was bio-diesel produced by the renewable energy company Orkey, which is headquartered in Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital.  

This significance of the milestone is that, apart from abundant geothermal and hydroelectric resources, Iceland has always been dependent on the importation of expensive fossil fuels for all domestic and commercial transportation, including of course, its sizeable commercial fishing fleet. Additionally, this is the first known incidence of a commercial fishing vessel operating on food-based biodiesel.

The bio-diesel, which is being called Lífsdísill (Life diesel), is being produced from used frying oil and animal fats, which would otherwise just end up in landfills. Since the foundation of Orkey in 2007, the company policy has been to promote sustainable production and use of renewable energy sources, and continue progress in the field of biofuels.  

Kristinn F. Sigurharðarson, CEO of Orkey, says “This is a satisfying step in the company’s effort to turn waste into a highly valuable renewable energy.  This is an enjoyable stepping-stone, one which also provides the company important momentum to tackle the next steps - to further utilize waste for energy production and thus reduce emission of greenhouse gasses and help offset Iceland’s dependence in imported oil.”

Orkey currently has sixteen shareholders: Aura Mare, N1, Samherji, Víkey, Rafeyri, Tækifæri, Arngrímur Jóhannsson, Efnamóttakan, Hafnarsamlag Norðurlands, Mannvit, Norðurorka, Brim, HB Grandi, Höldur, Ágúst Torfi Hauksson and LÍÚ.