There are many options when it comes to choosing what to lubricate marine engines with, with multiple manufacturers, all with their own formulations, it can be a challenge to look beyond the basic OEM requirements and make choices to improve the overall engine health. The reality is all engine oils are not made equal and the various formulations carry vastly different additive packs which greatly affects their performance. Below is a breakdown of the benefits that can be had when increasing the quality of engine oil used.
The use of high specification marine engine lubricants can have a significant impact on the efficiency and performance of a ship’s engines, leading to a reduction in fuel consumption and lower operating costs. By using high-quality lubricants that are specifically designed for use in marine environments, ship operators can help to ensure that their engines operate smoothly and reliably, while also minimizing the risk of equipment failure and downtime.
One of the key benefits of using premium marine engine lubricants is their ability to reduce friction and wear within the engine. This is achieved through enhanced detergency additives which help break up carbon deposits, holding the debris within the oil and carrying it to filters and/or purifiers where it can then be removed completely, this also reduces time spent on maintenance as purifiers are much easier to clean. When the engine is properly lubricated, the moving parts can operate with less resistance, which can help to reduce the amount of fuel that is required to power the engine. It can be challenging to quantify the reduction but during trials of a semi-synthetic 4-stroke engine oil, the fuel reduction was estimated to be as much as 0.5%, this may not seem like much but when a fleets fuel budget for the year is in millions it soon adds up. Maersk for example spent $3.37 billion on fuel in 2017, a 0.5% reduction on their bill equates to $16.85 million. By reducing the amount of friction and wear within the engine, higher specification lubricants can also help to extend the lifespan of critical components, reducing the need for vessel downtime, costly repairs, and replacements over time.
In addition to reducing fuel consumption, the use of premium marine engine lubricants can also help to improve the overall efficiency of the ship’s operations. By reducing the need for maintenance and repairs, ship operators can keep their vessels in service for longer periods of time, maximizing their return on investment. Additionally, by using lubricants that are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, operators can help to prevent equipment failures and downtime, which can be costly and disruptive to operations.
We represent some of the major marine lubricant manufacturers and so can offer a range of premium lubricants that are specifically designed for use in marine engines. These lubricants are formulated to provide superior protection against wear, corrosion, and other forms of damage that can be caused by other harsh marine conditions. By choosing a premium marine lubricant from a reputable manufacturer, ship operators can ensure that they are getting the best possible protection for their engines, helping to reduce fuel consumption and extend the lifespan of their equipment.
In conclusion, the use of premium marine engine lubricants can have a significant impact on the efficiency and performance of a ship’s engines, leading to a reduction in engine fuel consumption back to OEM design figures and lower operating costs. By choosing high-quality lubricants that are specifically designed for use in marine environments, ship operators can help to ensure that their engines operate smoothly and reliably, while also minimizing the risk of equipment failure and downtime. Please get in contact with us for any of your lubrication needs.
Contact Williams Shipping to find out more about our Used Oil Analysis by calling 023 8052 2163 or email lubricants@williams-shipping.co.uk.
Williams Shipping assists the UK’s marine industries with a broad range of services including towage, craneage, stores deliveries, equipment hire and crew transfer. We operate a fleet of 27 workboats, launches and barges, including dedicated wind turbine blade vessels. From our headquarters in Southampton and bases in Milford Haven and Aberdeen we provide specialist services and expertise to the transport, marine, construction, engineering, defence, renewable energy and shipping industries.
