World News
ExxonMobil Takes "Exciting Step Forward" in Development of Next Generation Marine Lubes
Exxon Mobil Corp. (ExxonMobil) Wednesday announced that it has taken an "exciting step forward" in the development of next generation marine lubes with the test firing of a new crosshead slow speed test engine it hopes will reduce the time to bring new products to market.
"ExxonMobil's commitment to developing next-generation lubricants will support the marine industry's pursuit of increased performance, protection and efficiency," said Steve Walker, global marine equipment builder manager at ExxonMobil.
The company says the bespoke test engine provides support to ExxonMobil in meeting the needs of increasingly complex engine designs resulting from tightening regulations within the shipping industry, noting that engines are now operating in the context of increasingly varied and demanding conditions, creating new challenges for engine lubrication.
"The formulation of next-generation cylinder oils that are aligned to customers’ needs will help them to address tomorrow’s challenges and play a key part in improving engine protection and performance," explained ExxonMobil.
As a result of its rapidly configurable bore-stroke ratio, the test engine is said to provide unique capabilities, and can simulate a range of new engine design parameters.
The test engine is also said to be able to accommodate the use of a range of different fuels in order to assist in the formulation of specific high and low base number (BN) cylinder oils.
Further, ExxonMobil's research and engineering teams will be able to use scientifically derived operating conditions to replicate the operational conditions in which marine lubricants are used.
Earlier this month, ExxonMobil said the industry is at the onset of "a period of substantial market change" that will "reshape the marine fuels landscape and is likely to boost demand for LNG and compliant low-sulfur fuel options."
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 645.00 | 2.00 | 767.50 | 11.50 |
| Rotterdam | 600.00 | 8.00 | 751.50 | 13.00 |
| Houston | 627.50 | 9.00 | 796.00 | 11.50 |
| Fujairah | 649.50 | 0.00 | 889.00 | 0.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 665.00 | 0.50 | 864.00 | 6.50 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 630.50 | 5.00 | 801.00 | 9.00 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 722.50 | 2.50 | 922.50 | 3.00 |
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