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Marine lubricant supplier Castrol Marine has launched Cyltech 80 AW, an 80 BN (base number) cylinder oil. The range has been developed for optimum engine protection in two-stroke crosshead engines and is designed to match engine performance with the demands of varying sulphur levels in marine fuels and the impact of slow steaming.

According to Castrol, the new product is the next logical step in assuring shipowners that the right lubricant is available to meet the needs of vessels in all operating conditions. The Cyltech brand now spans the 40 - 80 BN range, which is the widest of all marine lubricant suppliers.

"Our customers face ever tightening regulations on the environment, but also new operational challenges brought about by slow steaming," said Luigi Tedesco, Castrol Marine Chief Executive. "Cyltech 80 AW offers a proactive response to new industry realities."

Paul Harrold, Marine and Energy Technology Manager, commented: "Any imbalance between cylinder oil feed rate, BN and power compromises engine efficiency. Slow steaming may bring lower lubricant feed rates and, when higher sulphur fuels are used, a higher lubricant BN protects the engine against potential damage. It also limits the amount of burnt cylinder oil in exhaust gases, thereby cutting emissions."

Following extensive research, engine inspections and field trials, Castrol concludes that each vessel should use a single cylinder lubricant based on its predominant operating conditions. Where 40 BN cylinder oils may suit vessels permanently operating in Emissions Control Areas (ECAs), Castrol says that those of 70 - 80 BN are better suited to vessels regularly slow steaming and on international trade, even those involved in frequent ECA transits.

"It is critical for owners that the right cylinder oil is readily available for use to protect performance and vessel safety, particularly in prevailing commercial conditions at a time when they face tighter environmental regulation than ever before," said Jonathan Hutchinson, Castrol Marine Global Marketing Manager.

Harrold says that both slow steaming and sulphur content have direct consequences for fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, lubricant consumption and environmental responsibility.

"The pressure is on lubricant suppliers to show that new cylinder lubricants to the market are tested in all extremes, and not just in the conditions that suit their products. We know from field experience that Cyltech 80 AW provides improved neutralization capacity, and hence better corrosion protection across the fuel sulphur range while slow steaming than a mid BN lubricant," commented Harrold.

Marine engine manufacturers have acknowledged the fundamentally changing demands on cylinder lubricants caused by slow steaming, particularly in large bore engines. Wärtsilä recently advised customers with engines of 80cm bore and above to increase feed rates because corrosion problems have been observed when slow steaming.

"We are not suggesting that a ship has to carry a range of cylinder oils. In fact, the majority will carry only one, depending on their engine and voyage operating pattern. We want to make sure that our customers get the right answer and the right single lubricant solution for each vessel based on that vessel's predominant operating conditions" said Harrold.

"By selecting the right cylinder oil for the right operating conditions, slow steaming customers can use less fuel confident in the knowledge they are not risking damage to their engine, and that is why we now recommend Cyltech 80 AW for many customers."

Cyltech 80 AW is approved by both Wärtsilä and MAN Diesel. It is the only product approved by Wärtsilä for use at minimum feed rates for 3.5% sulphur fuels.