Isles of Shoals’ Thomas Laighton Receives First Biodiesel Fillup

Since joining the Green Alliance two years ago, the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company has gone a long way in rendering its operations more sustainable. From instituting a more rigorous recycling program to investing in compostable plastic cups, theirs is a business increasingly invested in doing their part to protect the environmental heritage on which so much of their tourism-based business depends.

Starting now, it’s a philosophy they plan to run on – literally.

Last Wendesday, the company’s famed Thomas Laighton received its first fill-up of B5 biodiesel from Simply Green, making its trial run later that same evening.

Truth be told, Isles of Shoals had been considering switching to biodiesel for years. Initially, the company was concerned that the makeup of the fuel would cause it to congeal during the winter months, thereby jeopardizing the engine.

What’s more, having biofuel in the tank over the winter is actually better for the boat, says Rich Ryzman, Director of Marketing for Isles of Shoals.

“Leaving air in the tanks on the vessel over the winter can cause corrosion.” Ryzman said. “Having two full tanks of bio diesel fuel on board for the winters months can help prevent this from happening.”

Ryzman hopes to make the switch to biodiesel one of the centerpieces of his company’s new website “green page,” which will highlight the various green initiatives – and goals – Isles of Shoals plans to pursue.

While Isles of Shoals will continue sourcing from long-time partner Buxton Oil, Ryzman said they hope to incorporate Simply Green’s uniquely green product as well.

Joel Bobbett, Manager for Simply Green Biofuels, sees the switch as a coup for the high-profile Seacoast staple.

“You’re talking about a tank that goes through a 1000 gallons a week, so to have them make the switch to [5% bio-mass] B5 fuel, you’re talking about a pretty huge carbon offset,” Bobbett noted. “It’s a testament to their organization's commitment to become a more environmentally friendly company.”

For Bobbett and the rest of the Simply Green team, bringing on a company as recognizable as Isles of Shoals is a feather they’re proud to add to an already ruffling cap.

“We were really excited when we first brought on Stonyfield Farms and PSNH, which are both great clients,” he said. “And it’s similar with Isles of Shoals; they’re a high-profile company, and hopefully this is something that can add to their image as a sustainability-minded company.”

For more information on Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, go to www.islesofshoals.com

To learn more about Simply Green, go to www.simplygreenbiofuels.com