Shell providing lubes for world's largest boxship OOCL Hong Kong

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has appointed Shell as a provider of integrated marine services including lubricants for the 21,413 teu OOCL Hong Kong.

The ship is equipped with MAN Diesel & Turbo’s (MDT) G-type engines that require close oil performance monitoring and technical support and since the containership also needs to optimise its performance according to Shell.

“As a supplier, we have considerable experience with MDT’s G-type engines. It was crucial that we shared our knowledge with OOCL at the outset, and that they could offer feedback in the dialogue that ultimately led to the optimal product selection,” said Jan Toschka, Shell Marine executive director.

The oil major’s monitoring programme Shell LubeMonitor that uses shipboard and laboratory analysis to help optimise engine performance and enable predictive maintenance.

“Working towards the selection of the right cylinder oils is a collaborative process that needs to satisfy engine-maker approvals, as well as the client’s requirement for proven performance,” Toschka added.

“Our technical support needs to be based on the same principles, so that ship operators can monitor the condition of the oil and equipment in the field, and plan effectively when remedial action is necessary.

The OOCL Hong Kong became the world’s largest containership when it was launched in May this year, and is the first vessel to break the 21,000 teu capacity barrier.

China Cosco Shipping is seeking to buy OOCL’s parent Orient Overseas International Ltd (OOIL) in a $6.3bn takeover bid.