# LCAC 91 Navy Fuel Breaks Records with Algae Blend - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/lcac-91-navy-fuel-breaks-records-with-algae-blend/ - Published: 2011-12-14T04:58:35-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## LCAC-91 Navy Breaks Speed Record with Algae-Based Fuel Let’s talk LCAC 91 Navy Fuel going algae.  Bet in December 2011, the U.S. Navy hit a new milestone in [clean fuel innovation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/05/biofuel-energy-military-fuel-and-future-security/). One of its hovercrafts, LCAC-91, became the fastest maritime surface craft powered by an alternative fuel blend. It reached a speed of 50 knots using a 50-50 mix of traditional petroleum and algae-based fuel. The test run took place at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division in [Florida](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/04/preserving-floridas-natural-beauty-the-clean-waterways-act/). There, LCAC-91 proved that [renewable fuels](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/07/bps-shift-from-renewables-to-fossil-fuels/) could match—and even exceed—the performance of fossil fuels. ![High-resolution photo of the U.S. Navy LCAC-91 hovercraft skimming over ocean waters, showcasing its black air cushion skirt, red ducted fans, and gray metal body under clear skies.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2011/12/172BEE51-8AAD-4FB1-9170-B256C09F9C0D.png?w=780&quality=50&ssl=1) U.S. Navy LCAC-91 sets records using an algae-blended biofuel, showcasing the military’s push for cleaner, high-performance energy solutions at sea. ## Fueling the Future with Algae This wasn’t just a one-time stunt. The algae-based fuel used in LCAC-91’s test was part of the Navy’s larger Great [Green Fleet](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/green-fleet-revolution-transforming-corporate-sustainability/) initiative. The project aimed to reduce the military’s dependence on [oil and increase fuel](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/08/leased-federal-fossil-fuel-land-ocean-paris-climate-targets/) security through domestically sourced, renewable alternatives. According to the Navy, algae-derived fuels show promise because they don’t compete with food crops. Even more, they can be grown in brackish water, on non-arable land, and harvested quickly—making them ideal for scaling. ### LCAC 91 Navy Fuel: Fast Craft, Fast Progress Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vessels like LCAC-91 are designed to carry equipment and troops from ship to shore. They demand high speed and high reliability, especially during amphibious operations. So testing biofuels on these crafts provided a strong signal: performance wouldn’t be sacrificed for sustainability. During this test, engineers didn’t modify the engine. The algae-based blend worked seamlessly in existing systems. That proved the fuel’s potential for fleet-wide use without overhauling hardware. ### Part of a Bigger Mission The demonstration aligns with the Navy’s broader clean energy goals. It showcases innovative approaches. These aim to reduce dependency on traditional fossil fuels. At that time, the Department of the Navy commits to getting 50% of its energy from alternative sources by 2020. This marks a significant step toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. Biofuels play a key role in that transition. Specifically, fuels made from algae, camelina, and other non-food crops offer cleaner energy. They also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This strategic shift supports national security. It decreases reliance on foreign oil. Additionally, it sets a precedent for other military branches and agencies. They can follow suit. Ultimately, it fosters a comprehensive embrace of renewable energy technologies across the board. Rear Admiral Philip Cullom, who led the Navy’s Task Force Energy, had been clear about the mission: improve [national security through energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/04/wind-energy-radar-security-challenges-and-solutions/) independence and efficiency. The LCAC-91 test showed real progress toward that goal. ### LCAC 91 Navy Fuel: Beyond the Military Although this test was military-focused, the implications stretched far beyond naval waters. The success of algae [fuels in high-performance settings](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/11/green-gas-production-set-to-increase/) helped validate their commercial potential. If a hovercraft could run full-throttle on algae, then planes, trucks, and even passenger cars could too. Moreover, private-sector companies working with the Navy gained valuable insights to [improve fuel production](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/06/green-offices-are-improving-productivity-boosting-businesses-bottom-line/) and distribution. ### A Step Toward Greener Defense By the end of 2011, the LCAC-91 trial marked more than just a record-breaking speed test. It demonstrated how renewable energy could power mission-critical operations without compromise. As global [energy demands continued to rise](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/battery-storage-vs-rising-energy-demand-which-wins-in-2025/), this success story stood out. It was proof that algae-based fuel wasn’t just experimental—it was ready for action. ### Sources: * [U.S. Department of the Navy – Energy, Environment, and Climate Change](https://www.secnav.navy.mil/eie/Pages/Default.aspx) * [Defense.gov – Alternative Fuel Initiatives](https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/alternative-fuel-initiatives/) From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs PANAMA CITY, Fla. (NNS) Watch video: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TiX2VMiwJo&feature=plcp&context=C26ff4UDOEgsToPDskLI1bKQu-WZOdEY0mx1dg-_> ](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0TiX2VMiwJo&feature=youtu.be) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)