By
Robert Joore |
LNG is presently the best fuel available to shipowners because it has been technologically proven to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of maritime transport. However, refined low-sulphur products and blended very-low sulphur fuel oils are becoming increasingly important.
Total began developing 0.5 per cent sulphur fuels a few years ago in collaboration with partners across our industrial set-up, including research centres and our customers. The biggest takeaway is that engine cleanliness is essential, which has been confirmed by several sea trials. This requires our technical experts to provide a high level of in-depth technical awareness, support and solutions to cruise and ferry operators to ensure they implement the right lubricants, monitoring tools and fuels strategy to achieve optimal engine performance and cleanliness.
Modern passenger ships must have reliable engines that run quietly and meet strict environmental emission limits. Operators also seek to minimise operating costs, and this is why we have developed a comprehensive range of trunk piston oils suitable for high to medium-speed four-stroke diesel engines. For example, our AURELIA and DISOLA products guarantee high safety margins, high levels of engine cleanliness and compatibility with all main fuel types, including low sulphur fuel oil, LNG, distillates, marine diesel oil and gas oil.
Total also offers synthetic ester environmentally acceptable lubricants to comply with regional environmental regulations, as well as bio lubricants and greases that fulfil Vessel General Permit requirements for oil-to-sea interfaces. We also provide technical support services and bespoke training for operators on topics such as better lubrication management.
As the cruise and ferry industry introduces new energy efficiency, emissions and greenhouse gas initiatives, we will continue to work with original equipment manufacturers and our supply chain to develop new engine oils to use with fuels of the future. We are also looking at engine characteristics, energy-saving systems and operating conditions to help further reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Robert Joore is general manager of Total Lubmarine
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2020 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
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