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ExxonMobil has released a report that examines the future of cylinder oil lubrication and provides advice to help vessel operators make informed decisions regarding their current and future cylinder oil choices.

The report, entitled 'The impact of regulation on cylinder oil lubricant selection', highlights three key changes in ship operation, fuel use and engine development that have taken place in the last few years which influence the selection of suitable of cylinder oil lubricants. They are listed as:

- The changing operational patterns that favour lower-load operations (slow steaming).

- The use of marine fuels alternative to heavy fuel oil (HFO) that have a wider variation of sulphur content.

- The development of new engine designs led by emissions reduction legislation and need for improved energy efficiency.

"These changes mean that it is vital that different specifications of cylinder oils designed for specific operating conditions and fuel types are matched with ship fuel and engine operating requirements. Failure to do so can have severe cost implications including significant machinery damage and potentially even catastrophic engine failure incidents," says the report.

"Incorrect lubricant choice and feed rate management can also significantly raise day-to-day operating costs by driving a higher feed rate than is necessary. Therefore, choosing the right cylinder oil lubricant at the correct feed rate and matching your cylinder oil to the engine conditions is imperative," the report adds.

Iain White, Global Marketing Manager, Marine Fuels and Lubricants for ExxonMobil, commented: "The impending cut to the global marine fuel sulphur cap to 0.50% will pose a further challenge for the marine industry, and the need to switch fuels when entering and leaving emission control areas (ECAs) remains an operational complexity. Add in the growing influence of the energy efficiency design index (EEDI) and NOx regulations and it's clear that vessel operation has never been more complex."

The report, which was produced in collaboration with marine consultancy Fathom, provides cylinder oil best practises, which can help minimise maintenance and optimise engine operation through the selection of the most appropriate lubricant. It also highlights the increased importance of initiating an effective monitoring programme, such as MobilGard Cylinder Condition Monitoring, in order to better understand how the changing marine fuels landscape is affecting engine and cylinder oil performance.

The full 14-page document can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Report: The impact of regulation on cylinder oil lubricant selection