Lubricants

TotalEnergies: How market demands are driving marine lubricant evolution

Ship owners and operators are going to have to make strategic fuel choices which will impact key components of the shipping industry including bunker fuel suppliers and bunkering operation.

Published

2 years ago

October 27, 2023

Admin

Stuart Fuller, Market Liaison & Product Manager for Engine Oils in the Marine & Power division of TotalEnergies, recently spoke at the Nor-Shipping conference, providing insights and thoughts on the key drivers shaping the evolution of marine lubrication.

In this article, Fuller captured some of the main points he shared with the audience of maritime professionals in Oslo:

The shipping industry faces a dual challenge – more energy, with fewer emissions. It is a key target that we are working on tirelessly at TotalEnergies, with our customers, stakeholders and our partners.

How we are Supporting the Shipping Industry’s Decarbonization Journey

Tackling our responsibilities head on, TotalEnergies has joined forces with the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping as a strategic partner, working with other industry partners to examine innovative technologies and what’s needed to build the infrastructure to support those technologies. We have so far committed 3 full time colleagues that are seconded to the project as well as enlisting the support of a further 12 colleagues on a part time basis.

TotalEnergies also actively participates in many other industry organizations working to improve combatting Climate Change, such as IMO, ISO, SEA/LNG, SGMF, Ammonia Energy Association, CIMAC and more, all with a shared goal of moving shipping into a carbon-free transport.

The Market Drivers – Life After IMO2020

Post IMO2020, a number of drivers have been shaping the industry namely:

Technology – new engine design (increased temperatures/pressures), Exhaust gas after treatment, Scrubbers, EGR / SCR
Regulatory – SOX, NOX, ECA’s, CO2…
Fuels – Hight/Low Sulfur Fuels, LNG, Biofuels

Future Fuels – Navigating Complexity

Currently the shipping industry is firmly focussed on the directions that the future fuels market is likely to take. Decarbonisation of transport will rely on massive investment in sustainable liquid fuels along with Biofuels, supplemented by e-fuels after 2030.

The predicted take up of H2 based e-fuels (including e-methanol and e-ammonia) is expected to take place between 2030 & 2050 and will be significant. It is also anticipated that LNG will remain in the mix but not significantly above the post 2030 volumes.

So, we are undoubtedly heading towards a more complex market with multiple fuel solutions making up the landscape.

And with 2050 just one ship life away, ship owners and operators are going to have to make strategic fuel choices which will impact the key components of the shipping industry including engine manufacturers, fuel suppliers, bunkering operations, global port developments and of course lubrication development.

Note: Read more on Fuller’s insight in his full report titled ‘Shaping the Future of Marine Lubrication – How Market Demands are Driving Marine Lubricant Evolution’ here.

Photo credit: TotalEnergies
Published: 27 October, 2023

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Business

Castrol names Shalini Kashyap as CEO of its Global Marine and Energy business

Shalini, is also the Vice President of Castrol’s Global Account Management team; managing strategic relationships with key global customers in Automotive and Industrial segments.

Published

1 week ago

June 11, 2025

Admin

Castrol names Shalini Kashyap as CEO of its Global Marine and Energy business

Global lubricants supplier Castrol on Tuesday (10 June) announced the appointment of Shalini Kashyap as CEO of its Global Marine and Energy business.

Shalini, is also the Vice President of Castrol’s Global Account Management (GAM) team; managing strategic relationships with key global customers in Automotive and Industrial segments.

Shalini has held several senior leadership positions across the organisation since joining in 2016. Before taking on the GAM role, Shalini was Global CFO of bp pulse, the company’s electrification business. Shalini played a pivotal role in expanding bp pulse’s operations across more than ten countries worldwide.

Shalini Kashyap, CEO, Castrol Global Marine and Energy, said: “Leading Castrol’s Global Marine and Energy business at such a pivotal time for both sectors is extremely exciting. Our focus is on putting the needs of the customer first, with advanced lubricants, cutting-edge technical services, and the best people in the industry all working together to deliver integrated and tailored solutions.

“We’re uniquely placed to be able to help our customers and partners stay ahead in the fast-changing industries in which they operate.”

Castrol said its Global Marine and Energy division continues to evolve to meet the demands of the transforming marine and energy industries.

“The launch of Castrol SmartMonitor (CSM) combined with continuous updates to Castrol’s marine and energy product portfolio, demonstrates Castrol’s commitment to innovation across the maritime, energy and offshore sectors,” the company added.

Photo credit: Castrol
Published: 11 June, 2025

Lubricants

Shell Marine launches new lubricant tanks to improve operations in South Korea

With its Busan lubricant oil blending plant being located less than 70km from major shipyards, Shell is ideally placed for delivering marine lubricants in support of new builds, says Houda Dabboussi.

Published

1 week ago

June 10, 2025

Admin

Shell Marine launches new lubricant tanks to improve operations in South Korea

Shell Marine recently announced the official opening of its new lubricant tanks in South Korea, inaugurated by its President, Houda Dabboussi.

Dabboussi said South Korea has some of the busiest seaports in the world, playing a crucial role in the country’s export-driven economy.

“The South Korea shipbuilding industry has a renowned reputation for advanced technology (particularly in key Marine sectors such LNG and LPG Carriers), efficiency and overall high value production,” she said in a social media post.

“With our Busan lubricant oil blending plant being located less than 70-kilometers from major shipyards in Geoje and Ulsan, Shell is ideally placed for delivering both packed and bulk lubricants in support of new builds.”

Shell Marine added the new facility will dramatically improve order confirmation times for its customers to within 48 hours, enhancing efficiency and streamlining their operations.

“This expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to investing in our global network and ensuring the ready availability of our high-quality marine lubricants.

“We look forward to the positive impact this new facility will have on our customers and our ability to serve this vital shipping region even better.”

Photo credit: Shell Marine
Published: 10 June, 2025

Alternative Fuels

FincoEnergies gains full lubricants business, partial bunker fleet of Dutch company

FincoEnergies officially completed its partial acquisition of Oliehandel Klaas de Boer on 1 May, securing the Dutch bunker supplier’s complete lubricants business and part of its fleet.

Published

1 month ago

May 8, 2025

Admin

FincoEnergies gains full lubricants business, partial bunker fleet of Dutch company

Rotterdam-based biofuels supplier FincoEnergies recently announced it has officially completed its partial acquisition of Dutch bunker supplier Oliehandel Klaas de Boer on 1 May.

The company acquired Oliehandel Klaas de Boer’s complete lubricants business and part of the bunker fleet.

“With this acquisition, FincoEnergies increases its storage capacity and product portfolio, highlighting its role as an independent and leading supplier of biofuels and lubricants within the maritime sector,” the company said on its website.

With the addition of several vessels and the entire lubricants product line, FincoEnergies has strengthened its logistical capabilities in Dutch ports.

“This expansion is part of the company’s growth strategy and enables FincoEnergies to serve the maritime sector even better,” it added.

The product portfolio has also been broadened, with an enhanced focus on sustainable biofuels, bulk lubricants, and solutions for all maritime customers.

Jeroen van Essen, General Manager at FincoEnergies, explained: “With this expansion, we are strengthening our logistical network and product offering and our role as a true partner for maritime customers.

“The sector faces several challenges due to new legislation, such as RED III and ETS2. We help our customers prepare for these changes through reliable deliveries, a diverse product portfolio, and concrete, sustainable solutions that meet tomorrow’s requirements. Together, we are charting a course toward a future-proof maritime sector.”

Dennis van Loon, Head of Operations at FincoEnergies, added: “Expanding our fleet is an important step towards even greater customer security of supply.”

“Especially in a market that operates 24/7, the availability of (bio)fuel at the right time and place is crucial. This expansion allows us to respond faster, store larger volumes, and further enhance our logistical capabilities. It strengthens our position as a reliable partner in maritime fuel supply.”

Photo credit: FincoEnergies
Published: 8 May, 2025