Thu 14 Dec 2017 11:08

Chevron releases methanol and lubricants white paper


Document explores the role of Chevron's cylinder lubricants in the operation of two methanol-fuelled ships.



Chevron Marine Lubricants on Thursday released the first in a series of new white papers focusing on innovations and developments impacting the fast-changing shipping industry.

'Methanol and Marine Lubricants in a Lower Sulphur, Lower Emissions Future' explores the use of methanol bunkers and the role of Chevron's Taro Special cylinder lubricants and DOT.FAST service in the operation of the Mari Jone and Mari Boyle - two of the world's first ocean-going, methanol-powered, dual-fuel ships.

The white paper has been produced in consultation with Methanex Corporation, whose subsidiary Waterfront Shipping is co-owner and charterer of the vessels; ship manager and investment group Marinvest Shipping AB, which is also co-owner of the vessels; and MAN Diesel & Turbo, which produced the ME-LGI methanol dual-fuel two stroke engines for the Mari Jone and Mari Boyle.

Methanol is one of a range of alternative fuels that, along with LNG, LPG, and ethane, look set to play an increasingly important role in the future of shipping.

Chevron says its lubricant solutions can be used with all types of alternatively fuelled vessels. The supplier says its full range of Taro cylinder lubricants - from the low 25 BN Taro Special HT LF to the new 140 BN Taro Special HT Ultra - provide solutions for both current and future operating requirements.

Alongside the use of Chevron's Taro cylinder lubricants, Chevron's DOT.FAST service is used to optimize engine lubrication and manage feed rates.

DOT.FAST is designed to provide both onboard and onshore analysis of drip oil in order to give an accurate measurement of total iron wear, including corrosive wear. The service combines both a drip oil analyzer for iron wear and a BN tester.

"The reality of a lower sulphur, lower emissions future for shipping is already here. ECA and IMO 2020 regulations mean that in addition to the shifting use trends of traditional marine fuels, shipowners and operators are increasingly turning to the use of alternative marine fuels to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing legislative and operational landscape," commented Ian Thurloway, Chevron Marine Lubricants Brand and Marketing Manager.

To view the new and download the white paper, please click here.