Effective engine lubrication starts with proper oil selection, a monitoring strategy and a lubricant specialist, writes Lubmarine marketing manager Serge Dal Farra
Low-sulphur fuel usage has been the most significant change to the way ships are powered since the first marine diesel engines were used over 100 years ago.
These fuels have clear benefits for emissions reduction, but fuel quality — especially since early 2020 — have brought real challenges for two-stroke marine engines. Two-stroke engines are sensitive to corrosion and face an increased risk of engine deposit build-up, potentially leading to problems with ring pack damage.
In the post-IMO 2020 0.50% sulphur cap landscape, shipowners need to take a three-step approach: selecting the right cylinder oil; implementing a properly managed monitoring programme; and partnering with an engine lubrication specialist.
Selecting the right lubricant
First, shipowners need to select the right engine lubricant. Lubmarine has developed a range of lubrication formulations designed specifically for marine engines, using IMO 2020-compliant fuels, including LNG.
One is Talusia Universal, an OEM-approved cylinder oil with a patented chemistry, proven with over 125,000,000 successful operating hours.
Tests show that Talusia Universal demonstrates a significant cleaning ability (detergency) and provides higher residual BN, enabling ship operators to optimise their feed rate and maintain the lube oil at the safe limits determined by the OEMs.
Talusia Universal has been approved by WinGD as a “Dual Fuel validated” product, one of the few cylinder oils on the market to have obtained this achievement.
“Two-stroke engines are sensitive to corrosion and face an increased risk of engine deposit build-up”
The latest entry in the Lubmarine Talusia range of cylinder lubricants is Talusia HD 40 which has been granted NOL Category II approval by MAN Energy Solutions, meaning this product has excellent overall performance with a special focus on cleaning ability and is applicable for all engines types and recommended for MAN B&W two-stroke engines Mk 9 and higher.
Taking a multi-layered approach
Second, working with their oil suppliers, shipowners must carefully and regularly monitor lubricant and vessel machinery condition to proactively detect and react to any abnormalities.
All OEM guidelines recommend careful engine monitoring and a sophisticated intelligence-led approach, allowing for the most prudent management of two-stroke marine engines.
Implementing an effective drain oil analysis programme is a simple, reliable and proven way of helping optimise operations through lubricant consumption and component wear analysis.
Lubmarine is launching a new range of fully digitalised, interconnected global on-board lubricant sampling and testing services.
Operators on board are guided through easy-to-follow, step-by-step on screen instructions when carrying out drain oil analysis without the need for specialist training, with the highly accurate test results uploaded onto the customers’ dedicated Lubmarine portal.
Not only do the new services – LubInsight Neo – enable vessel operators and owners to upgrade their onboard testing laboratory facilities, they also deliver real-time interconnectivity between crews on the vessel, on-shore operations, owners, operators and global teams involved in the running and maintenance of the vessel.
Specialist knowledge
And thirdly, shipowners need to enlist the support of highly experienced engineers to assist with lubrication optimisation and any lubrication issues vessel operators might be experiencing.
This level of support can include: ship engine inspections and trouble-shooting; lubrication survey and technical investigations; shipyard and switchover support; and training crew and onshore teams.
