US Naval Institute featured a column from the New York Times that talked about the Navy and Marine Corp going green for reasons any war fighter can understand, including trimming back on a vulnerable logistics tail.

The Coast Guard is also seems to be moving in the same direction. The description of the OPC includes a link to a 16 page (pdf) presentation (powerpoint?) on how the service would like to apply  “green” technologies and concepts to the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC).

“Trade Studies and White Papers developed the following areas of
interest for OPC:

“Hull design-Requires early/upfront considerations

• Fuel Use and Fuel Storage (carbon footprint)
• Noise (along with prop)

“Outfitting –Modification possible throughout lifecycle

• Marine Sanitation System
• Solid Waste Treatment
• Marine Diesel Engines
• Oily Water Separators

“Consumables –Provides greatest number of opportunities

• Lighting
• Batteries
• Hull Coatings
• Fluids and Lubricant”

They might be considered under “fuel and Lubricants,” but bio-fuels weren’t called out specifically. The emphasis seemed to be on controlling emissions and effluents rather than “sustainability,” but if the Navy is going to Bio-fuels, you know we will need at least the capability as well.

The control of engine and prop noise might have a side benefit if these ships ever need to tow a passive towed array sonar.