Alaska Vessel Fuel Efficiency Resources

Coping with high fuel costs

fuel pumps Increased fuel prices are hurting commercial fishermen, charterboat and water taxi operators, sport fishermen, and recreational boaters. Saving money on boat fuel can be as easy as simply slowing down or as complicated as replacing a boat engine, and results vary greatly depending on the vessel. This site offers tips for conserving fuel, results of a commercial fishing fuel survey, links to news stories about reducing fuel costs, a downloadable poster and brochure on fuel efficiency, and more.

Fishing vessel energy audit project

In 2009 the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program launched a project to help fishing vessel owners control fuel costs. Terry Johnson, MAP Marine Recreation and Tourism Specialist, is part of a team that is developing and testing ways to improve fishing vessel fuel and energy efficiency. For more information, tools and resources, visit Fishing Vessel Energy Audits.

The future of diesel

Does Diesel Have a Future in the Fishing Industry? offers information on energy innovations and the future of diesel-powered fishing vessels. The author is an expert in northern fisheries gear, marketing, and NGOs.

Tips for conserving fuel

Presentation: Operating Techniques to Maximize Fuel Efficiency [PDF; 1.8 MB]
Publication: Saving Fuel on Your Recreational or Charter Boat
Publication: Fuel-Saving Measures for Fishing Industry Vessels
Web page: Lower Your Fuel Costs: Fuel efficiency tips
Brochure: Save Money on Boat Fuel
Poster: Tips to Reduce Fuel Costs for Your Boat
Article: Fishermen's First Step: Using Less Fuel [PDF; 143 KB]
From Changing Climate—Changing Alaska's Fisheries? Alaska Seas & Coasts, Vol. 5, March 2008

Commercial Fishing Loan Fund

The Alaska Division of Investments' Commercial Fishing Loan Program offers long-term, low-interest loans to Alaska commercial fishermen interested in replacing or rebuilding their vessel engines, gear purchases, and vessel upgrades.