ExxonMobil: 50% of Vessels Are Not Operating at Optimal Lube Feed Rates

Data from ExxonMobil's MobilGard CCM programme has highlighted potentially damaging engine issues facing vessel operators.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (ExxonMobil) today said in-depth data analysis of more than 400,000 oil samples from the company's MobilGard Cylinder Condition Monitoring (CCM) programme have demonstrated the wide range of potentially damaging engine issues facing vessel operators.

"With operators challenged by continued economic pressures and changing regulations, the need to protect engines and drive operational efficiencies is more important than ever," said ExxonMobil.

"MobilGard CCM is designed to help optimise engine protection and minimise operating costs. Analysis from the advanced cylinder condition monitoring shows that operators have many opportunities to optimise their engine efficiency and also potentially mitigate catastrophic engine failures."

ExxonMobil says its data indicated 50 percent of vessels are not operating at optimal lube feed rates, with the most common scenario being over-lubrication.

Analysis is said to have also demonstrated "a growing issue" in relation to cat fines and continued cold corrosion challenges for many vessel operators.

The data showed that 43 percent of vessels were shown have an issue with cat fines, while 15 percent were shown to be suffering from cold corrosion - a situation that ExxonMobil points out can "reduce engine life dramatically if operators fail to address the problem quickly."

The data further showed that 9 percent of vessels demonstrated high levels of iron in the scrape down oil - indicative of engine wear and can lead to reduced piston, liner, and overall engine life - while 25 percent were shown to be experiencing water washing problems, which can cause high wear.

"It is no secret that the marine industry is facing challenging times," said Iain White, Global Marketing Manager at ExxonMobil Marine.

"Operators are constantly under pressure to save money, so efficiency continues to be front of mind. The data captured by our MobilGard CCM programme has indicated that many are missing the opportunity to drive that efficiency, and some are even facing a real risk of catastrophic engine failure."