With synthetic engine oils playing an increasingly important role in modern machinery and marine operations, Joe Star, Strategic Account Manager of marine fuels testing company VPS on Tuesday (7 July), said the key to unlocking the full value of synthetic lubricants is condition-based oil analysis:

A Demanding Environment

Across the United States, many vessels operating offshore and across the country’s inland water ways are powered by high-speed engines. These engines provide one of the most demanding lubrication environments for engine oils to manage.

Engines frequently run at high loads, switching between long periods of continuous operation and shorter stints alternating between idling, standby and high loads during manoeuvring.

Such load changes, temperature variations and extreme conditions, along with the unique operating profile, vessels encounter, place extreme stress on engine oils. This results in leading Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM’s) typically recommending drain intervals averaging only 250 operating hours. As a consequence, operators regularly assess the use of synthetic based oils, given the performance and commercial benefits that can be realised based upon extended drain intervals.

Whilst synthetic oils offer clear and significant performance advantages, the successful adoption and monetisation of a higher unit cost base product, depends upon implementing a structured and effective oil analysis program. 

The Synthetic Difference

As engine designs, pressures and temperatures have continued to evolve to keep pace with fuel efficiency needs and requirements, a similar situation has evolved across lubricating oils. With higher pressures and temperatures, the stress on the oil has never been greater. Requiring sufficient viscosity, stability, oxidation control and wear protection capabilities, to be prioritised by lubricant formulators.

Synthetic oils are typically granted a longer drain interval by the equipment manufacturer (OEM) and are proven to be able to achieve this due to their high Viscosity Index (VI) capabilities and the largely uniform molecular structure when compared to mineral oils.

In mineral-based oils, molecules can vary in size and shape, leading to inconsistent lubrication and film creation and most importantly can exhibit a quicker breakdown under heat and increased rate of oxidation. This leads to the low 250 operating hour drain interval, typically recommended in operation.

In theory, Synthetic oils have been proven to be able to significantly extend drain intervals to more than 5-6 times the OEM recommended mineral equivalent, with no performance or reliability issues. However, monetising and ensuring that this is completed, requires a mindset shift from scheduled drain intervals to a condition-based approach based upon routine oil analysis. Adjusting and extending drain intervals can mitigate the most common issue which challenges this practice, which is external contamination in the form of fuel dilution or water ingress.

External Contamination and Fuel Dilution

Due to the operational nature of many vessels which use high-speed engines as a primary source of propulsion, fuel dilution and water ingress are some of the most common occurrences of external contamination, limiting the lifespan of lubricants within engines.

Through leveraging VPS’ MyLubes digital application, extracting results reported so far in 2026, it can be seen that approximately 26% of all high-speed engine oil analysis, in which distillate fuels were in operation, were reported as either a caution or an alert against relevant limits.

70% of the cautions and failures reported were through a combination of Viscosity, Flash Point or Base Number; highlighting the fuel and lubricant interaction; as Viscosity failures covered both elevated and lower Viscosity values. Elevated viscosity being a sign of oxidation and lower viscosity indicating fuel dilution respectively.

Fuel dilution is when fuel enters the crankcase or sump and mixes with the engine oil in the system. Typically, it is distillate fuel (Marine Gas Oil) which is the fuel choice for these engines.

Vessel’s that are more susceptible to fuel dilution are vessels which operate on frequent start-stop cycles, prolonged idling and low-load operation, where operational profiles require short bursts of high load, this can promote fuel ingress into the lubricating oil.

Critically, when looking to maximise lubricant lifespan, VPS data shows that approximately 23% of caution/failed high-speed engine oil analysis results are due to fuel dilution, highlighting that in these instances, either mineral or synthetic based lubricants are not being maximised.

Fuel dilution has a direct impact on overall lubricant performance, notably:

• Viscosity reduction, leading to increased metal to metal contact
• Reduced flashpoint, leading to safety risks and onboard management requirements
• Accelerated lubricant degradation and corrosion, leading to reduced component lifespan

Mineral and Synthetic based oils are both equally susceptible to fuel dilution occurring. In addition there are financial considerations to manage fuel dilution when Synthetic products are in place, due to the increased unit cost. Ensuring prompt detection and resolution is the most effective tool to effectively minimise the real-world impact of fuel dilution on lubrication strategies.

Monetising a more costly lubricant

Whilst typical mineral based engine oils drain intervals are approximately 250-500 hours, depending upon the engine make and model, synthetic oils have been able to extend drain intervals to over 2000 hours. The benefit to operators is clear on paper, with synthetic oils typically costing 2-3 times more than mineral equivalents. Provided drain intervals are extended beyond 3 times the mineral equivalent, a significant budget saving can be achieved by the operator.

Notably this creates a shift in operating mentality, moving from a time-based approach to a condition-based assessment of oil quality; meaning that a robust oil analysis programme and sampling interval becomes more important, not less.

In addition to providing the most effective early warning with regards to fuel dilution and contamination, a robust Oil Condition Monitoring (OCM) programme is the critical enabler to safely and reliably extending drain intervals with synthetic, or mineral based engine oils.

At a high level, based upon operational experience, VPS’s core recommendations for an effective programme to support extended drains include:

• Sampling intervals at least twice per drain cycle: Increasing frequency if fuel dilution is observed, or engines are operated at low loads for extended periods
• In practice, sampling every 200-300 hours is strongly recommended, typically 6-8 times per drain interval for Synthetic lubricants
• Oil samples to be taken following representative running of the engine
• Close monitoring of any deviation of trends, through digital platforms
• Integration of lubricant sampling and data into Maintenance systems
• Assessment of common limiting factors across fleets and engine types

Lowering Cost

Fundamentally, with high-speed diesel engines being the workhorse of inland waterborne transportation and offshore vessels; lubricants will be a critical part of the total system and subsequent operating cost.

Synthetic based products offer a benefit on paper when compared to mineral oils, however if such products are consumed at the same rate as mineral oils, there is no benefit to expenditure, and more money is spent for the same outcome.

Drain intervals can only be safely extended, and subsequently monetised, through a robust oil analysis programme. In the demanding environment of inland and offshore operations, oil analysis provides more than a measure of lubricant condition; it also delivers valuable insight into the condition of the engine itself. By routinely monitoring oil health, identifying contamination, wear trends and degradation at an early stage, operators can take timely corrective action, protect engine reliability, extend oil life and ultimately reduce operating costs.

Photo credit: VPS
Published: 8 July, 2026

Zhoushan has completed Zhejiang Province’s first simultaneous two-side anchorage operation involving both bonded fuel oil and lubricants, marking another milestone in the port’s integrated maritime services, according to the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone on Monday (8 June). 

The Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier FALBALA recently received supplies at Mazhi Anchorage, where the bunker vessel Dong Fang Zhao Yang and the supply vessel Fu Rui 688 operated simultaneously on opposite sides of the ship. 

The operation delivered 999.2 metric tonnes (mt) of bonded marine fuel oil and 10 mt of lubricating oil in a single coordinated service call.

Traditionally, vessels at anchorage have followed a sequential “bunkering first, supply later” process, requiring separate operations that increase turnaround times and operating costs. To improve efficiency, the Zhoushan Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) introduced an innovative two-side simultaneous service model designed to enhance safety, compliance and operational efficiency.

Supported by coordinated efforts among maritime and port authorities, Zhoushan’s anchorage bunkering business has grown rapidly. During March and April, international vessels conducted 849 anchorage bunkering calls, up 37.6% year-on-year. In April, bonded marine fuel volume exceeded 800,000 mt for the first time, setting a new monthly record.

Zhoushan MSA said they will review the experience gained from the operation, refine safety and operational standards, and gradually extend the model to other anchorages while expanding one-stop bunkering services.

Photo credit: China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone
Published: 9 June, 2026

Colonial Oil Industries (COI), a division of Savannah-headquartered Colonial Group on Friday (1 May) announced the acquisition of Atkinson Oil Company LLC, a Sandersville-based commercial distributor of fuel and lubricants.

According to the company’s website, COI is a marine fuel supplier that provides LSMGO-DMA, ULMGO-DMA, IFO blends and marine lubricants in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia. 

The acquisition is expected to strengthen COI’s presence across the Southeast and expand its ability to deliver essential fuel and lubricant products to customers in the region.

“Atkinson Oil is a highly respected, relationship-driven business with deep roots in the communities it serves. The Sandersville and Macon markets serve as a natural extension of our growth strategy,” said Christian Demere, president and CEO of Colonial Group.

 “We are proud to welcome the Atkinson team to the Colonial family and look forward to continuing their legacy of trusted service for customers.”

Operations will continue in Sandersville and Macon, Georgia, with all existing facilities remaining active.

“Atkinson Oil Company LLC is pleased to transition its operations to Colonial Oil Industries, Inc., a highly respected leader in the fuel and lubricants industry” said Clint Hancock, chief executive officer of Atkinson Oil. 

“This transition reflects a shared commitment to safety, service excellence, and customer relationships, ensuring continuity for our customers while providing expanded resources and long-term growth opportunities under Colonial Oil’s leadership.”

The acquisition adds 14 Atkinson Oil team members to COI as part of an integration process designed to maintain continuity and support long-term growth.

“Customers and partners of both companies can expect uninterrupted service,” Demere said.

“The combined organisation is focused on maintaining existing relationships and over time, customers will benefit from expanded resources, enhanced distribution capabilities and additional service offerings.”

Photo credit: Colonial Oil Industries
Published: 6 May, 2026