Why lubricant selection is key to keeping your vessel’s engine running

Since the IMO 2020 fuel sulphur cap came into effect, vessel operators have made the change to low-sulphur fuel oils but it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Across the industry, some vessels that switched to compliant low-sulphur fuel have seen increased engine issues.

In order to help combat these issues, owners and operators must carefully select their lubricants. Low-sulphur fuel oils do not require the same level of protection against corrosion as high sulphur fuels. This means that a much lower base number (BN) cylinder oil can be used in the engine.

Mobilgard™ 540 was specifically designed for use with 0.50% sulphur fuels and has been shown prevent deposit build-up and help ensure reliable engine operation. Mobilgard™ 540 X can be used with all low-sulphur fuel types (0.50%, 0.10% sulphur and liquefied natural gas) and has demonstrated superior protection in the most severe engine conditions.

Lubricants with the appropriate levels of detergency are also crucial in maintaining engine cleanliness: enough detergency to prevent deposit build-up but not too much to cause other issues. As so many engine issues are caused by the formation of surface deposits, choosing a cylinder oil with a balanced formulation is key to maintaining cleanliness and performance.

Don’t allow poor lubricant selection to disrupt your operation; choose a high-quality cylinder oil that provides you with peace of mind when using IMO-compliant fuel.