Tag: EALs

Thordon Bearings  has questioned the rise of so-called environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) in oil-based stern tube seals and bearings when the industry can use the most environmentally safe lubricant there is – seawater. The US Environmental Protection Agency is enforcing regulations introduced in December 2013 that stipulate that all vessels over 24m operating in US waters must switch over to EALs in all oil-to-sea interfaces before their next drydocking. “But what is the point in shipowners investing in costly bio-lubricants when seawater is widely available and 100% free? It’s akin to paying for the very air we breathe,” said Craig Carter, Thordon Bearings’ Director of Marketing and Customer Service. “When used in conjunction with Thordon Bearings’ COMPAC propeller shaft bearing system, seawater lubricates the bearings to ensure the smooth, effective and safe operation of the vessel. Not only do we guarantee our seawater-lubricated COMPAC system for a wear life of fifteen years, but it reduces a shipowner’s annual operating and maintenance costs substantially, compared to an EAL-lubricated metal bearing and two seal system,” continued Carter. In its recently published comparative research into the operational costs of using mineral oil, approved EALs or seawater in a propeller shaft bearing system, Thordon ...

Shell has launched its new range of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), including Shell Naturelle S4 Stern Tube Fluid 100. The Shell Naturelle range of products enables ships entering US waters to comply with the revised 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP).   Shell Naturelle S4 Stern Tube Fluid 100 is made with fully saturated ester base oil, which offers the best resistance to hydrolysis (breakdown by water) and oxidation (oil ageing). It is also a non-emulsifying fluid, which allows ship operators to easily drain any water from the stern tube system, preventing hydrolysis and biodegradation of the oil within the equipment. What sets Shell Naturelle S4 Stern Tube Fluid 100 apart from the competition is the wide range of approvals it has received from stern tube original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), like Aegir-Marine, Blohm & Voss (SKF), Kemel and Wärtsillä Propulsion. In addition, Shell has also launched its VGP-compliant range of gear oils, hydraulic oils, wire rope lubricant and greases, almost all of which has received EU Eco Label certification and a host of approvals from top original equipment OEMs. “We are delighted to introduce our new Shell Naturelle range of EALs and give our customers the peace of mind that they ...

Shell has launched its new range of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), including Shell Naturelle Stern Tube Fluid 100. The Shell Naturelle range of products enables ships entering US waters to comply with the revised 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP). Shell Naturelle S4 Stern Tube Fluid 100 is made with fully saturated ester base oil, which offers the best resistance to hydrolysis (breakdown by water) and oxidation (oil ageing). It is also a non-emulsifying fluid, which allows ship operators to easily drain any water from the stern tube system, preventing hydrolysis and biodegradation of the oil within the equipment. What sets Shell Naturelle S4 Stern Tube Fluid 100 apart from the competition is the wide range of approvals it has received from stern tube original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), like Aegir -Marine, Blohm & Voss (SKF), Kemel and Wärtsillä Propulsion. In addition, Shell has also launched its VGP-compliant range of gear oils, hydraulic oils, wire rope lubricant and greases, almost all of which has received EU Eco Label certification and a host of approvals from top original equipment OEMs. “We are delighted to introduce our new Shell Naturelle range of EALs and give our customers the peace of mind that they can ...