By Bill Sizemore – Virginian-Pilot

The Navy took a step toward breaking its dependence on petroleum Friday, powering up a boat with fuel derived in part from seaweed. In a demonstration at Norfolk Naval Station, an experimental boat was put through a series of maneuvers using a 50/50 blend of diesel fuel and an algae-based biofuel. It was the first time a biofueled Navy surface vessel has been driven at full power. Navy officials declared the test an unqualified success. The camouflage-colored 49-foot riverine command boat, a fast, agile craft designed for coastal and inland operations, reached a top speed of 44.5 knots, kicking up clouds of salt spray as it performed sudden stops, circles, reversals and tight U-turns.

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