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Castrol Marine: Lubricants and engine health must not be overlooked as alternative bunker fuels emerge

Without the proper lubricant, alternative marine fuels may only be a partial component in efficient and safe vessel operations, says Gianluca Marucci, Castrol Global Marine and Energy Technical Services Director.

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Gianluca Marucci, Castrol Global Marine and Energy Technical Services Director, shared an article with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times to remind the shipping industry that proper lubricants must not forgotten as alternative bunker fuels become the main area of focus in maritime decarbonisation: 

As the maritime industry looks to decarbonise its operations, alternative fuels have become the focus. Yet, there is a risk of overlooking one aspect that will be important to the utilisation of alternative fuels: the lubricant. Without the proper lubricant, alternative fuels may only be a partial component in efficient and safe vessel operations. And, if we want to ensure a safe, efficient, and lower-carbon shipping industry, we need to consider starting with the right lubricant.

The importance of lubricants in maritime decarbonisation

When things go wrong in an engine, they can go very wrong. From issues with critical machinery to overheating, the list of reasons for engine failures is long. One crucial aspect to consider for detecting issues with engine health is the lubricant used in the engine. Any flaw in the lubrication can be fatal. In fact, lubrication failure has consistently been the number one cause of engine failure for many years, and it is an expensive thing to get wrong, with the average claim cost for a lubrication failure being in the region of $560,000.  

In the past, the performance of a cylinder oil was largely based on its base number (BN). Now, as the industry explores different fuel types with new attributes and qualities required by engine fluids, choosing the right lubricant has become considerably more difficult. The wrong lubricant with the wrong fuel could cause significant engine damage that could result in downtime, loss of earnings, repair costs as well as risking the lives of seafarers. 

Therefore, the introduction of alternative fuels means that lubricant suppliers and OEMs must work together to ensure they have the right formulation to avoid any potential disruption to engine health. An example of this is Castrol’s close collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) on our Cyltech 40 XDC cylinder oil, which can be used for ships operating on LNG and methanol, as well as conventional fuels. 

With changing regulations, engines becoming more complex, and alternative fuels becoming a reality, marine lubricants will play an important role in the shipping industry’s decarbonisation journey.  Shipowners and operators will need to leverage the most out of their lubricant to overcome the complexities with the utilisation of alternative fuels to ensure crew safety, engine health, and vessel emissions.

Monitoring matters

As the marine industry continues to evolve, monitoring of lubricant performance will only grow in importance. 

On an ongoing basis, it is crucial that operators use tools such as used-oil analysis data, test kits and expert condition monitoring advice to look out for any issues. With deep knowledge of lubricant and equipment interaction necessary, shipowners need collaborations to keep their operations in sync with the latest OEM recommendations and environmental legislation.

Meanwhile, the substantial human expertise and know-how to assess and underpin these activities will continue to be key. The most efficient and effective solution to an engine issue is to speak to an expert who can interpret the data provided, wherever they are in the world. At the end of the day, marine engines are valuable, yet vulnerable assets and the expertise and experience of the Castrol team can be invaluable in supporting reliable and safe operations.

Condition monitoring technology has evolved significantly to incorporate digital solutions to support human intelligence. Meanwhile, real time smart monitor analysis, can identify issues early, helping owners and operators to make informed decisions. With easy access to the necessary information for an accurate real-time picture of the system's state, lubricant suppliers can make use of digital tools and human expertise, to advise operators in advance when issues arise. The operators may then be able to take preventive action before any major  damage occurs.

Waiting is not an option

As the marine industry continues to evolve, it is necessary for lubricant providers to continue to step up and offer end-to-end solutions. Cutting-edge technology, combined with industry expertise and real-world experience, will enable lubricant suppliers to support the marine industry much more effectively.

 

Photo credit: Castrol Marine
Published: 25 March 2024

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Alternative Fuels

Eni and MSC to jointly explore potential use of LNG and bio bunker fuels

As part of a MoU, both will explore potential use of LNG as well as lower-carbon energy carriers, such as HVO and bio-LNG biofuels, as well as lubricants from renewable raw material, for use on MSC fleets.

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Integrated energy company Eni and shipping and logistics provider MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company on Monday (25 November) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing joint initiatives in the field of sustainability and energy transition. 

The agreement includes the potential use of LNG as well as lower-carbon energy carriers, such as HVO and bio-LNG biofuels, as well as lubricants from renewable raw materials, for use on MSC fleets dedicated to both logistics and cruise transport. 

Renewable energy solutions will be assessed to contribute to the decarbonisation of MSC’s sites and facilities. More generally, the agreement aims to create new synergies between the two companies’ operations, from logistics services to intermodal transport, covering both agro-industrial activities for the production of raw materials, including Agri feedstock, for biorefining, and the storage and transport of HVO biofuels through innovative intermodal sea, rail and road transport solutions. 

The agreement provides for good circular economy practices, from the on-board use of plastics also from renewable and recycled raw materials, including single-use packaging products, to the collection and management of waste produced on board the fleets, and the potential redevelopment of decommissioned Eni areas and assets.

Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, said: “This agreement marks the start of our collaboration with MSC in the decarbonisation of transport and cruise services. MSC is the world leader in the sector and we are confident that together we will be able to develop and implement decarbonisation initiatives, that provide an important contribution to the sector and to the reduction of emissions from our transport systems.”

Diego Aponte, MSC Group President, said: “We look forward to working more closely with Eni as we broaden and deepen our approach to sustainability and decarbonization across the MSC Group of companies.”

 

Photo credit: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Published: 26 November, 2024 

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Lubricants

Chevron expands marine lubricants supply to Port Elizabeth

Expansion notably enhances the company’s ability to serve vessels taking the longer route to avoid current conflict areas and represents a strategically important addition in the southern region.

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Chevron Marine Lubricants, a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, recently announced it has further extended its global supply capacity to include Port Elizabeth, South Africa. 

The expansion notably enhances the company’s ability to serve vessels taking the longer route to avoid current conflict areas. 

“It also represents a strategically important addition to Chevron’s distribution network in the southern region,” it said in a statement. 

By ensuring supply availability in Port Elizabeth, the overall supply reliability of Chevron’s range of marine lubricants is endorsed and improved.

“This marks a significant milestone in the development of our distribution network in southern waters,” said Ayten Yavuz, Global Marine Lubricants General Manager at Chevron. 

“Port Elizabeth is a major port of call, and having Chevron lubricants available will certainly increase the service reliability for visiting vessels. We have worked closely with our local partners to make this strategic expansion possible, and I wish to thank them for their excellent cooperation.”

 

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Bernd Bölscher
Published: 25 November, 2024 

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Winding up

Singapore: Liquidator schedules final meeting for Gazpromneft Marine Lubricants

Final general meeting of members and creditors for Gazpromneft Marine Lubricants, has been set to take place at 3pm on 18 November via video conference.

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The final general meeting of members and creditors for Gazpromneft Marine Lubricants, has been scheduled to take place on 18 November, according to the company’s liquidator on a notice posted on Wednesday (16 October) on the Government Gazette.

The meeting will be held at 3pm via a video conference. It is being held for the purpose of laying before members and creditors the liquidator’s final report of the winding up and the hearing of any explanation given by the liquidator. 

A member or creditor who wishes to attend should inform the solicitors listed below no less than seven days before the meeting stated above.

The details of the liquidator and solicitors are as follows:

LIQUIDATOR

BAKULIN DMITRY ALEKSANDROVICH 

SOLICITORS IN THE LIQUIDATION

YUEN LAW LLC
50 South Bridge Road,
#03-00,
CMO Building
Singapore 058682
Tel: 6536 6037
(Ref: TX BC202306243 GPM)

In 2019, Manifold Times reported Gazpromneft Marine Lubricants producing high-tech marine oils at a production facility in Singapore.

Localising lubricants production under the Gazpromneft Ocean brand at the AP Oil partner facility reportedly would cut delivery times for Gazprom Neft products to the Port of Singapore by up to two days, and to ports in Malaysia by up to four days.

Related: Singapore: Gazpromneft Marine Lubricants Pte Ltd to be wound up voluntarily
Related: Gazprom Neft starts lubricants production from Singapore blending plant

 

Photo credit: Benjamin-child
Published 17 October 2024

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