Miller Boat Line has begun using a 10-20 percent biofuel mix in one of its passenger vessels, the William Market, and has plans to eventually use it in all four of its vessels.

The biofuel, G2 Diesel, provides 15 percent better fuel economy than traditional diesel and leaves a cleaner wake, protecting Lake Erie and generating fewer harmful emissions. Miller Boat Line has long been the most value-friendly way to travel to Put-in-Bay and the only way to bring vehicles to the island.

G2 Diesel, is manufactured by a local company named 11 Good Energy, headquartered in Canton, Ohio. G2 Diesel is made primarily from soybean oil and ethanol and has a distinctly different aroma than traditional diesel when burned: some say it smells like French fries or butterscotch.

Using G2 Diesel costs the company more than traditional diesel; however, the ferry service is keeping its fares the same. Miller Boat Line has made a dedicated effort to support Ohio businesses in this effort; 11 Good Energy uses locally-grown soybean oil.

It is 99 percent agricultural in material and manufactured using 70 percent less energy than traditional biodiesel. It has been used in locomotives, trucks, and buses: this is the company’s first demonstration of marine applications.

Using G2 Diesel will not affect the speed of the vessel. The fuel will result in a cleaner burning engine, less pollution, and better lubricity of the internal parts in the engine which, in turn, will provide more engine hours between rebuilds.