Tag: lubricants

The majority of operators of high-speed engine vessels are not managing their engine’s lubrication as efficiently as they could, while up to two-thirds of them have the potential to extend their oil drain intervals, latest data by oil major ExxonMobil revealed. 

Dry bulk ship operator Asia Maritime Pacific identified new opportunities to help optimise operations across its fleet, using Chevron’s annual oil analysis reports to spot long-term trends in lubricant performance and equipment condition, informs Mr. Barry Wei, Technical Field Specialist, Chevron Marine Lubricants.

Lubrizol Corporation recently joined the "Getting to Zero Coalition" , becoming the first lubricant additive technology supplier entering the alliance.

Chevron Marine Lubricants published its new white paper 'The 2020 Global Sulphur Cap and the role of cylinder oil lubricants', exploring the impact of vessels burning fuels with differing sulphur contents to heavy sulphur fuel oil cylinder oil use. The paper also provides recommendations from Chevron's experts on how to manage the transition between cylinder oils pre-and post-2020.

As the sulphur cap implementation is imminent in less than 18 months, operators need to worry about many issues as well, other than fuel selection only.  In fact, IMO's decision to implement a 0.50 per cent cap on sulphur emissions has created uncertainty amongst vessel operators, notes Mr. John LaRese, Marine Fuels Technical Advisor, ExxonMobil who discusses the needs for lubricants and fuel switching.

Shell Marine’s post-2020 cylinder oil expectations are based on a defined position on marine fuel use after the IMO’s cap on sulphur content comes into play, explains Shell Marine Global Technical Manager, Dr Sara Lawrence.

The Swedish P&I Club issues Monthly Safety Scenario for November 2015 The Swedish P&I Club has published its Monthly Safety for November 2015 regarding an incident due to defective main engine lubricating oil. The Swedish Club publishes on a monthly basis a new "Monthly Safety Scenario" (MSS) to assist owners in their efforts of complying with the maritime regulations.The IncidentThe vessel had completed a scheduled drydocking. After departing from the dry dock the vessel experienced extensive water leakage at various locations, which led to excessive water on the tank top. The leaks were repaired and completed the following day.The following day an unusual noise could be heard from cylinder unit 4. The main engine was stopped and the crankcase opened. An inspection of the unit revealed problems that could not be rectified immediately. Cylinder unit 4 was isolated. Furthermore the crew found the system oil was contaminated with 2% water.Without any rectification the main engine was restarted and the voyage resumed. Shortly afterwards a loud noise was heard from the main engine and the exhaust gas temperature of cylinder unit 8 was slowly falling, so it was decided to stop the main engine for further investigation.The crew changed several fuel ...

West of England P&I Club issues Loss Prevention Bulletin TheWest of England P&I Club issued a Loss Prevention Bulletin on marine diesel engine lubrication.In recent months several entered vessels have experienced main engine breakdowns caused by heavily contaminated lubricating oil. All of the vessels were relatively new.Modern marine diesel engines are technically complex and are becoming increasingly powerful and efficient. However, newer engines can be less forgiving than older units if not operated, maintained and lubricated correctly.Lubricating OilThe lubrication of moving parts is crucial to diesel engine performance and longevity. Lubricating oil reduces friction between components, separates opposing surfaces and prevents metal-to-metal contact. It also acts as a coolant and mitigates the effect of corrosion. However, the condition of the oil tends to deteriorate with use, mainly due to contamination and chemical activity.The manufacturers manual for the engine will provide details of the quality and properties of lubricating oil required. The manual will also include guidance on how the oil should be monitored and maintained while the engine is running to ensure that it remains suitable for use. Such advice is generally based on research findings, operational experience, ongoing analysis and other factors including technical common sense. The details will ...

Total Lubmarine participates to World Day for Safety and Health at Work by running several safety awareness initiatives

Shell Marine Products introduced Shell Alexia S3, its solution for large vessels with two-stroke engines entering into waters where the revised ECA regulations