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Total Lubmarine has received a no objection letter from Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD) for the use of its any-sulphur-fuel cylinder lubricant within the whole range of Wartsila engines.

The new cylinder lube oil (CLO), Talusia Optima, is suitable for use with fuels ranging from 0 to 3.5% in sulphur content.

Validation tests of Talusia Optima were carried out on a mega boxship sailing on Asia-Europe routes and comprised of over 4,300 hours of use. The vessel's engine, a two-stroke Wartsila 14RT-flex96C-B, underwent a series of engine inspections and oil analyses throughout the test period and performed satisfactorily, meeting all Wartsila's requirements.

Total Lubmarine's technical director, Jean-Philippe Roman, said: "Talusia Optima is an exciting new development and a step forward for the lubes industry. It is the first and only cylinder lube oil on the market able to lubricate engines operating with fuels with any sulphur content."

The principle drivers behind the development of Talusia Optima have been emission regulation deadlines set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which require a change in lubricant when entering and leaving Emission Control Areas (ECAs).

Serge Dal Farra, Total Lubmarine's Global Marketing Manager, said: "Research carried out with our customers indicated their need for a simple, flexible product to counter the complexity of shipping operations in the current regulatory environment. Not only does Talusia Optima simplify engine lubrication for engineers, but used in conjunction with a well monitored feed rate reduction programme, offers potential savings."

WinGD has given approval for the use of Talusia Optima with its Wartsila RTA, RT-flex and X engines as well as in Sulzer two-stroke engines. The oil, which uses ash-free neutralising molecules (ANM), which provide super-neutralisation, offers increased cylinder cleanliness and the potential to reduce feed rates. The product is currently being tested on a range of ships and is expected to be brought to market later in 2016.