Posted July 14, 2009

For the second straight year Metro Terminals will serve as the exclusive biofuels provider and sponsor of "City of Water Day," a celebration of New York's waterways taking place in and around Governor's Island and presented by the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance (MWA) on Saturday July 18, 2009. A press launch for the event begins at 9am at Pier 17 at South Street Seaport in Manhattan, followed by events and tours in and around Governor's Island.

Metro will be providing approximately 2,000 gallons of B20, a BQ-9000-quality certified blend of biodiesel and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, to five historic boats. Biodiesel has no sulfur or particulate matter - emissions that have been linked to asthma and other diseases. It is also a renewable fuel that not only helps to reduce our carbon footprint and combat global warming but reduces our country's dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil.

"We are once again proud to join the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance as sponsor of City of Water Day," said Gene Pullo, President of Metro Terminals. "Metro, which is currently expanding its biodiesel capacities at our Brooklyn waterfront location, is a firm believer in the potential of New York's waterfront and waterways, and in particular, we envision a greener future for the many vessels that transport cargo and passengers and that serve many other vital functions that keep our city vibrant and strong. As many of the city's great historic boats use Metro biodiesel to navigate around Governor's Island and the New York Harbor to celebrate 'City of Water Day' we have taken an important step toward realizing a future where all vessels run on biodiesel."

By using a biodiesel ULSD blend instead of conventional diesel on "City of Water Day," these vessels displaced 500 gallons of petroleum, reducing sulfur by 20 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 16 percent. The environmental benefits grow dramatically as larger vessels use biodiesel more frequently. For example, the Staten Island Ferry's 8 vessels, which use 3,380,000 gallons of diesel a year, would displace 676,000 gallons with a B20 blend.

The five historic boats that will be using Metro's biodiesel are the Pioneer; the tug Cornell; the Big G which is the MWA's own retired police boat; the John J Harvey, a retired fireboat; and the Adirondack.

"Biodiesel is a key component of today's events because it shows that we can move goods and people on our waterways in a green and sustainable manner," said Roland Lewis, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance. "We are fortunate that Metro Terminals, an early pioneer in alternative fuels, is committed to the smarter use of our waterways and we are proud to have them back as a sponsor."

About Metro Terminals
Metro was founded in 1942 when Pauline Pullo envisioned the growing commercialization of oil heat, a much cleaner alternative to much-maligned coal. Metro, which is located on the Newtown Creek in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, has grown into one of the New York Metropolitan Area's largest family-owned heating oil, diesel and gasoline terminals.

About Metro Biofuels
In 2006, recognizing the need for greater national energy independence and a human obligation to improve the environment, Metro once again invested in the next great heating and transportation fuel alternative – biodiesel - and Metro Biofuels was born. Metro Biofuels became one of the first U.S. marketers to achieve BQ-9000 certification. Encouraged by its success, in 2006, Metro began planning a 110-million-gallon capacity biodiesel processing facility adjacent to its terminal, with plans to barge in much of its feedstock. Metro will be capable of supplying biodiesel that is derived from the widest range of sustainable, high-energy-balance sources that include domestically grown soy, canola, biomass, recycled restaurant grease and algae. Metro is a member of the National Biodiesel Board and subscribes to the principles and goals set forth by NBB's Sustainability Task Force.

About the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance:
The Waterfront Alliance works to transform the New York and New Jersey Harbor and Waterways to make them cleaner and more accessible, a vibrant place to play, learn and work with great parks, great jobs and great transportation for all.

SOURCE: METRO BIOFUELS