MARINE LUBRICANTS
Leading the change with VIDA compliance
Nishta Watkiss, Marketing Manager, Vickers Oils
For over 150 years, Vickers Oils has been a pioneer in the marine lubricants industry. In 2002, they made history by launching the world’s first biodegradable sterntube lubricant, HYDROX BIO. Today, they continue to set the standard with a proactive approach to the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA).
Understanding VIDA The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) primarily impacts the regulation of discharges from vessels in U.S. waters, but its implications can also resonate within the European lubricant industry in several ways.
The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), enacted in December 2018 and finalised in September 2024, restructured the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels in U.S. waters. Replacing the EPA’s 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP), VIDA mandates the use of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) for deck equipment above the waterline, where lubricant loss can occur, thereby expanding the definition of oil-to-sea interfaces. This shift from voluntary use to regulatory requirement marks a significant change for the maritime industry. With a two-year plan for VIDA implementation,
18 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.184 DECEMBER 2024
existing requirements from the EPA’s 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) and USCG ballast water regulations remain in effect.
While VIDA itself is a U.S. regulation, European lubricant manufacturers may need to align their products with similar environmental and safety standards to maintain competitiveness in global markets. This could lead to increased focus on ensuring that lubricants used in marine applications are compliant with both U.S. and European regulations.
The emphasis on reducing pollution from vessel discharges under the VIDA raises the bar for lubricant manufacturers to develop environmentally friendly products. This can accelerate innovation in biodegradable and less harmful lubricants, aligning with the European Union’s stringent environmental protection laws.
As ships and marine operators seek to comply with stricter discharge regulations, there may be increased demand for specialised lubricants designed to minimise environmental impact. This creates new market opportunities for lubricant producers that
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