Sustainable Crossings: How TESO Cuts 140,000 Litres of Diesel Each Year
If you're looking for practical ways to travel more responsibly, Sustainable Crossings with TESO deliver measurable results. By adding a natural fuel additive called XMILE to its diesel, TESO saves about 140,000 litres of fuel each year while reducing multiple emissions. In this post, you'll see exactly how these savings are achieved, what they mean for the Wadden Sea, and how TESO is preparing for an even cleaner future.
What Sustainable Crossings mean on the Texel route
TESO sails through the Wadden Sea, a World Heritage site—beautiful and fragile. Sustainable Crossings here are about concrete actions that protect air quality and reduce fuel use without compromising reliability.
- TESO makes conscious fuel choices and invests in cleaner operations.
- The company uses green shore power supplied by TexelEnergie during overnight mooring, so onboard diesel generators stay off at night—no soot, no fine particulate matter, and lower fuel consumption.
- Multiple operational innovations work together to cut emissions trip after trip.
The XMILE effect: saving 140,000 litres of diesel per year
What is XMILE?
XMILE is a natural-origin additive derived from enzymes extracted from tree leaves. Added in small quantities to diesel, it acts biochemically to improve the combustion process inside engine cylinders.
How does XMILE work in practice?
At a high level, better combustion means more of the fuel’s energy is turned into useful power with fewer unburned residues. In diesel engines, that translates to lower fuel consumption and a cleaner exhaust profile—less CO2, fewer nitrogen oxides (NOx), reduced carbon monoxide (CO), and fewer soot particles.
The measurable impact from XMILE
- About 140,000 litres of diesel saved each year
- CO2 emissions reduced by 6%
- NOx emissions reduced by 9%
- CO (carbon monoxide) emissions reduced by 32%
- Soot particles reduced by 40%
These reductions help improve day-to-day air quality and support long-term climate goals.
Featured answer: How much diesel does TESO save each year with XMILE?
About 140,000 litres per year, alongside reductions of 6% CO2, 9% NOx, 32% CO, and 40% soot particles.
Cutting emissions beyond the crossing
Green shore power at night
When TESO’s ships are moored overnight on Texel, green shore power from TexelEnergie supplies electricity. This avoids running diesel generators for hotel load, saving fuel and preventing overnight emissions—no soot particles and no fine particulate matter during night-time operations.
Eco-friendly Automooring System
Since 2013, TESO has used an Automooring System that holds the ferry in place with vacuum pads. Because the ship is held securely by robots, the engines can be switched off during loading and unloading.
- Monthly fuel saving: 15,000 litres
- Cleaner air in the Wadden Sea area during port operations
Long-term fuel choices that add up
Since 2008, TESO has achieved 30% more CO2 neutrality through the use of biodiesel and the fuel additive Soltron. Taken together with XMILE and operational measures, this forms a consistent, multi-year pathway toward lower emissions.
Looking ahead: preparing for electric propulsion
TESO is actively planning for a cleaner future beyond liquid fuels:
- From a technical perspective, TESO’s ships could be fully converted to electric propulsion within a year.
- A robust power supply is essential for this transition. TESO signed a contract with Liander in 2023 for the necessary grid connection.
- It will become clear in 2027 whether this grid connection can be realised.
- In parallel, TESO is working with parties such as Texel Council to investigate whether large-scale green energy can be generated on the island.
Why this matters: Electric ferries need high-capacity charging and dependable grid access. Securing infrastructure and local renewable generation can unlock rapid emissions reductions once the connection is in place.
Sustainability highlights at a glance
| Measure | Impact |
|---|---|
| XMILE natural additive | About 140,000 litres of diesel saved per year; emissions reduced by 6% CO2, 9% NOx, 32% CO, and 40% soot |
| Green shore power (TexelEnergie) | No diesel generators during overnight mooring; no soot or fine particulate emissions at night; lower fuel use |
| Automooring System (since 2013) | Engines off during loading/unloading; about 15,000 litres of fuel saved monthly; improved air quality in the Wadden Sea area |
| Biodiesel and Soltron (since 2008) | 30% more CO2 neutrality |
| Future electrification | Contract with Liander (2023) for grid connection; clarity in 2027 on realisation; exploring island-scale green energy with partners such as Texel Council |
What this means for your trip
- Cleaner air around terminals and on deck thanks to reduced soot and fine particulates.
- Quieter nights in port because generators stay off with shore power.
- A ferry operator actively moving toward lower-carbon crossings, step by step.
- On some crossings you can even see scientific environmental data on the onboard video screens, from sensors measuring sea temperature, salinity, and the colour of seawater (which indicates the amount of floating particles and plankton). This turns every journey into a window on the Wadden Sea’s living system.
Quick answers about Sustainable Crossings
What is XMILE?
- A natural-origin additive with enzymes from tree leaves that improves diesel combustion.
How much diesel does TESO save with XMILE?
- About 140,000 litres per year.
Which emissions are reduced by XMILE?
- CO2 by 6%, NOx by 9%, CO by 32%, and soot particles by 40%.
What is green shore power and who supplies it?
- Shore power supplies electricity from land while in port. TESO uses green shore power supplied by TexelEnergie during overnight mooring.
How does the Automooring System save fuel?
- Vacuum pads hold the ferry at the dock so engines can be shut down during loading/unloading, saving about 15,000 litres per month.
What steps is TESO taking toward electric propulsion?
- TESO has a contract with Liander (2023) for a grid connection, expects clarity in 2027 on realisation, and is exploring large-scale green energy on Texel with partners such as Texel Council.
Practical takeaways to make your crossing even greener
You can help make Sustainable Crossings even more effective with simple onboard habits:
- Follow boarding instructions closely and park close to the car in front. This saves space and helps reduce waiting times (and the idling that comes with queues).
- Once parked, switch off your engine promptly and apply the handbrake. Reduced idling means fewer emissions.
- Turn off your car alarm during the journey to avoid unnecessary triggers caused by ship movement.
- Use onboard facilities thoughtfully and dispose of waste responsibly while enjoying local products available on board.
- Learn more about TESO’s policies and safety practices—being prepared makes operations smoother and more efficient for everyone.
For deeper reading, explore related topics such as TESO and sustainability, Our ships, and Safety on board.
Conclusion: measurable action, cleaner crossings
TESO’s Sustainable Crossings are built on tangible measures that add up: a natural fuel additive that saves about 140,000 litres of diesel each year, shore power that eliminates overnight emissions in port, an Automooring System that saves 15,000 litres monthly, and long-term fuel choices that have already increased CO2 neutrality by 30% since 2008. With groundwork underway for electric propulsion, the next leap in clean ferry travel is in sight.
Ready to experience a cleaner way to the island? Plan your crossing, learn more about TESO and sustainability, and choose the ferry that’s investing in a more sustainable Wadden Sea—today and for the future.