Page 266 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

MARINE FUELS

It is well understood that there is no silver-bullet solution for alternative fuels
in shipping. Shipowners and operators know they must make their decisions based on the
specific needs of their business. In contrast, when it comes to selecting lubricants,
it can often be easy to focus only on elements like cost and lose sight of the longer-
term value high-performance products can provide. Marcus Schaerer, General Manager
Services and Technical at Shell Marine, explains why that approach can create issues
for businesses and how Shell Marine finds the right solutions to match their unique
needs while futureproofing their operations.

THE IMPORTANCE

OF SELECTING THE

RIGHT LUBRICANTS

(AND HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE)

❶ Why is it such a challenge to using cost as the main driver for their
select the ‘right’ lubricant for decisions.
each vessel? For example, the practice of lubricant
Shipping is a hugely diverse sector, switching (moving between Base Num-
and that diversity makes finding a sil- ber (BN) 40 and BN 100 products to
ver-bullet solution for any aspect of a address deposits in newer, more effi-
vessel’s operations near impossible. I cient engine designs) is far from ideal.
doubt we’ll ever see a single solution It can reduce onboard efficiency by
that could work for every shipowner making crews work harder to protect
or operator, especially as the sector engines. It can also cost more to pur-
has changed so rapidly over the last chase two different cylinder oils. That’s
decade. New engines, new fuel types, one potential negative impact of the
and new challenges are presented by lubrication decisions you make.
the need to reduce carbon footprints. Similarly, you could end up facing more
All of these are driving a rethink of how downtime and higher costs from addi-
we approach shipping operations – and tional maintenance if you select a lubri-
the lubricants needed to keep vessels cant that doesn’t address engine depos-
running smoothly. its adequately.

❷ Why can shipowners and oper- ❸ So, how can operators make
ators not afford to make the the ‘right’ call for their vessels?
wrong call on lubrication? I think the first step is for operators to
If you make the wrong call, you’re look- gain that understanding of the impact
Marcus Schaerer, ing at using lubricants that can make their operations have on their engines
General Manager Services and Technical your operations less efficient and – and the lubrication requirements
at Shell Marine
cost-effective in the long run. That’s that impact can create. It is something
talks to Giannis Theodoropoulos why operators should be careful about they can work closely with suppliers to

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