Oil major ExxonMobil has developed a newly formulated 40BN cylinder oil, Mobilgard™ 540, specifically designed to work with low-sulphur marine fuels.
Mobilgard 540 will be available from the first quarter of 2019 and is compatible at any volume with ExxonMobil’s current cylinder oil offer to ensure vessel operators can safely and efficiently switch to compliant fuels with complimentary cylinder oils.
The new lubricant will replace Mobilgard™ 525 and can be used for vessels operating in 0.10% Emission Control Areas (ECAs). This means vessels with non-corrosive engines that burn compliant residual and distillate fuels only need to carry one cylinder oil.
“We anticipate deliveries of Mobilgard 540 to start during the first quarter of 2019, which will provide our customers with plenty of time to run down stocks of cylinder oils ahead of the IMO deadline,” said Iain White, Global Field Engineering Manager – ExxonMobil.
“The new lubricant will be available across our global port network and via our extensive distribution network, underlining our commitment to support the maritime industry on a seamless transition to a compliant future.”
ExxonMobil, meanwhile, says it expects the vast majority of the marine industry to adopt for compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 0.50% sulphur cap which comes into force 1 January 2020.
Vessel operators who plan to switch to low-sulphur compliant fuels should consider now how they plan to run down stocks of their cylinder oils in advance of the IMO deadline, so they can minimise the mixing and disposal of redundant products where possible.
Operators should work closely with suppliers to help manage lubricant inventories to achieve the most efficient switchover possible ahead of 2020.
Photo credit: ExxonMobil
Published: 24 October, 2018
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