New ECA sulphur limits drive need for one lubricant solution
05 July 2010

From July 1, 2010 ships operating in the EU Emission Control Area must burn fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 1 per cent, down from the previous limit of 1.5 per cent. Ship owners are now faced with not only fuel switching difficulties but the additional need for lubricant switching as they move in and out of the ECA. However, Total Lubmarine has the only lubricant product in the market place today that can operate successfully for HFO at sulphur contents ranging below 1 per cent and above 4 per cent. Ships using Lubmarine's Talusia Universal do not need to switch lubricants when moving in and out of the ECA.

Lubmarine Marketing Manager Patrick Havil says, "Talusia Universal sales have increased by 90 per cent this year alone. Now, one in every two of our customers uses Talusia Universal. It is used by all types of vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, container vessels, and ro-ros. At Total, we have never before seen such a high level of customer satisfaction."

Whilst it was possible to operate using traditional BN 70 lubricants at sulphur level of 1.5 per cent and above, engine manufacturer guidelines state that lower number BN lubricants must be used with fuels containing under 1 per cent sulphur in order to prevent excess deposits and engine wear and scuffing. The solution offered by most major lubricant suppliers is the use of two different lube oils according to the sulphur content of the fuel being burnt by the vessel. For ship operators this gives rise to a host of complex operational issues not least additional storage capacity, crew training and on-board procedure requirements.

A one-lubricant solution avoids these problems. The patented Talusia Universal from Total Lubmarine has been approved by all engine manufacturers for use with high and low sulphur content fuels.

This one-stop solution provides important cost, efficiency and safety benefits for international shipping, eliminating the risk of engine damage from mismatch between different cylinder oils. Unlike other lubricant solutions, Talusia Universal requires no deviation from business as usual operations when entering or leaving an ECA.

Total Lubmarine says Talusia Universal gives it a significant competitive advantage as fuel sulphur content control legislation grows. One of the Lubmarine's biggest customers has commented, "Talusia Universal is unique. No other major oil company has produced a comparable product. If I were one of Lubmarine's competitors I would be looking to get a similar product into the international market as soon as possible."

Lubmarine is the worldwide marine lubricants network of oil major Total. As a key industry player, Total is committed to achieving a level of excellence which meets its customers' needs by providing the right product, in the right place, at the right time, backed by first-class support and expertise.