Chevron Marine Lubricants Releases White Paper on Use of Methanol Bunker Fuel and Marine Lubricants

Chevron Marine Lubricants — explore low emission solutions for today, and tomorrow (file image/ Chevron)

A white paper published by Chevron Marine Lubricants has examined the performance of methanol and marine lubricants as used in the operation of two, dual-fuel ships.

Methanol is one of a range of alternative fuels, along with liquified natural gas, liquified petroleum gas and ethane, set to play an important role in the future of shipping, the company said in a statement.

The paper, called Methanol and Marine Lubricants in a Lower Sulphur, Lower Emissions Future, "explores the use of methanol bunker fuel and how Chevron's Taro® Special cylinder lubricants and DOT.FAST® service play a critical role in the successful operation of the ships Mari Jone and Mari Boyle", the statement continued.

The other partners involved in the project comprise Waterfront Shipping, a subsidiary of Methanex Corporation and co-owners and charterers of the vessels; ship management and investment company Marinvest Shipping AB also co-owners of the vessels; and
marine engineer MAN Diesel & Turbo which produced the ME-LGI, methanol, dual-fuel, two stroke engines for the two ships.

In addition to the use of Chevron's Taro® cylinder lubricants, Chevron's DOT.FAST® service is used to optimise engine lubrication and manage feed rates, the company said.

"DOT.FAST® provides both onboard and onshore analysis of drip oil giving an accurate measurement of total iron wear, including corrosive wear.

"Combining both a drip oil analyzer for iron wear and a BN tester, it is the best such service in the market today."

"The reality of a lower sulfur, lower emissions future for shipping is already here," Chevron Marine Lubricants brand and marketing manager Ian Thurloway said.

"ECA and IMO 2020 regulations mean that in addition to the shifting use trends of traditional marine fuels, shipowners and operators are increasingly turning to the use of alternative marine fuels to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing legislative and operational landscape," he said.

To view white paper, click here.