Sprague Operating Resources Secures Renewable Diesel Contract for NYC Ferry Operations

On June 24, 2025, Sprague Operating Resources LLC announced its selection by the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) to provide renewable diesel for its marine fleet, notably including the well-known Staten Island Ferry. This major contract is a crucial component of New York City's strategic initiative to transition its marine vessels to more sustainable fuel options, aligning with the city's broader environmental goals laid out back in October 2024.

As one of the leading providers of energy and materials handling services in the Northeast, Sprague has a longstanding commitment to promoting cleaner energy solutions. The provision of renewable diesel (RD) represents a significant evolution in fuel technology, as this alternative is derived from renewable sources such as used cooking oil and waste fats. This process distills these materials to create a diesel product chemically similar to traditional fossil-fuel-based diesel, which allows it to integrate seamlessly into existing diesel engines and infrastructure, like those on the Staten Island Ferry.

Renewable diesel is notable for its reduced lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions; the Staten Island Ferry system, recognized as the busiest municipal ferry operation in the United States, anticipates a significant reduction of up to 60 percent in GHG emissions as it shifts to RD. This change will also support the transportation of over 24 million passengers annually, setting a precedent for urban marine transportation in the effort to lower environmental impact.

David Glendon, Chairman at Sprague, expressed pride in this collaboration, stating, "We are incredibly proud to partner with New York City and DCAS on this critical initiative. Supplying renewable diesel for the city's ferry fleet aligns perfectly with Sprague's long-standing commitment to providing sustainable and renewable energy solutions. This contract is a testament to our team's capabilities and our shared vision with the city of New York."

The project represents not just a local investment in renewable energy but also a milestone in the Northeast's burgeoning market for low-carbon fuel solutions. St. Bernard Renewables, a joint venture between PBF Energy and Enilive, described their role in supplying this cleaner fuel as a significant achievement. Neal Sahni, General Manager of St. Bernard Renewables, highlighted the importance of their Gulf Coast biorefinery in distributing low carbon intensity fuels to the region.

Sprague’s expansion in renewable fuels positions them as an industry leader in eco-friendly solutions. The company maintains its commitment to sustainability through a range of innovative energy solutions, which are vital in today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape. Founded in 1870 and headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Sprague has kept pace with changing energy demands, constantly adapting its portfolio of offerings to include fuel storage, delivery, and even solar energy systems.

To further explore Sprague's sustainability initiatives and their impact on the local community, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website at www.spragueenergy.com/sustainability. As cities increasingly strive to meet environmental regulations and public expectations for greener practices, partnerships like that of Sprague and NYC are setting benchmarks for sustainable urban transportation initiatives. As urban areas continue to grow and evolve, innovative solutions like renewable diesel can serve as pivotal components of a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Sprague Energy is not only enhancing operational capabilities for New York City but also paving the way for future collaborations aimed at reducing carbon footprints across urban landscapes. Their ongoing efforts exemplify how integrated energy solutions can facilitate meaningful change toward sustainable infrastructure that benefits both the environment and community well-being.