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Lube oil suppliers launch new ECA productsLube oil suppliers launch new ECA products

On the eve of SMM, the leading technical maritime event opening today in Hamburg, marine lubricant firms Shell Marine Products and Total Lubmarine have both announced new products formulated for slow-speed two-stroke engines running on ultra-low sulphur fuel required in Emission Control Areas (ECA) from 1 January 2015.

Paul Bartlett, Correspondent

September 9, 2014

1 Min Read
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Shell has launched Alexia S3 and Total Lubmarine has introduced Talusia LS 25 specifically for deepsea vessels trading into ECA waters from next year.

Both products have a base number of 25 and both will be available at many bunkering ports in the run-up to the new regulations which will require all ships trading in ECA waters to use bunker fuel of a maximum 0.1% sulphur content from January. Alternatively, ship operators can install scrubbers to clean exhaust gases to minimise sulphur emissions. “No objection letters” have been supplied for both products from engine manufacturers MAN Diesel & Turbo and Wärtsilä.

Shell Marine Products General Manager, Surinderdeep Singh, told media that the company is currently stocking ports in 22 countries with its new product. The supply points include bunker outlets both in ECA ports and major bunkering hubs including Fujairah, Hong Kong and Singapore. A statement from Total Lubramarine said in a statement that the company could provide “prompt delivery worldwide, engine inspections, on-board and laboratory testing, training and advice.”

Shell’s Singh said that the company’s new Alexia S3 is suitable for vessels operating permanently or mostly in ECA waters whilst deep-sea vessels burning heavy fuel oil should use the new product when switching to 0.1% sulphur fuel on entering ECA waters. Both companies offer a range of lube oils, ranging from products with high base numbers to tackle the effects of “acid stress” in engines operating at low loads whilst slow-steaming, and now low base-number oils for operation in ECA regions.

About the Author

Paul Bartlett

Correspondent

UK-based Paul Bartlett is a maritime journalist and consultant with over four decades of experience in international shipping, including ship leasing, project finance and financial due diligence procedures.

Paul is a former Editor of Seatrade magazine, which later became Seatrade Maritime Review, and has contributed to a range of Seatrade publications over the years including Seatrade’s Green Guide, a publication investigating early developments in maritime sustainability initiatives, and Middle East Workboats and Offshore Marine, focusing on the vibrant market for such vessels across that region.

In 2002, Paul set up PB Marine Consulting Ltd and has worked on a variety of consultancy projects during the last two decades. He has also contributed regular articles on the maritime sector for a range of shipping publications and online services in Europe, Asia, and the US.

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