MARINE LUBRICANTS
Navigating the maritime sector’s decarbonisation journey
As the world grapples with the escalating challenges of climate change, the maritime industry is taking bold steps toward a more sustainable future. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a net-zero emissions target for the sector by 2050. This ambitious goal demands rigorous measures to monitor and reduce carbon emissions, positioning the accurate calculation of Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) as a critical element in achieving decarbonisation strategies.
Given the significant environmental impact of the marine sector and its essential role in global trade, the shift towards lower-carbon solutions is critical to progress. The industry is working to transition away from traditional heavy-carbon fuels, embracing alternatives such as biofuels, LNG, and methanol, as well as zero-carbon options like green ammonia and hydrogen. While these alternatives offer promising solutions, each fuel type presents unique challenges for engine lubrication and as a result, industry stakeholders are developing advanced additive and lubricant technologies to ensure optimal performance across a diverse range of fuels.
The role of lubricants is paramount in enabling the safe and efficient introduction of these alternative fuels. Following the significant shift brought about by the IMO 2020 regulation - where Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) became the standard to reduce
sulphur oxide emissions - the fuel landscape continues to evolve. Liquefied natural gas (LNG), serves as a transitional fuel with a lower carbon intensity vs. conventional diesel. Methanol, another low-carbon option, is seeing a steady rise in ship orders, while ammonia-powered engines are expected to enter the market as early as 2026.
This diversification of marine fuels has increased the complexity of lubrication requirements. Oil marketers must now offer high-performance lubricant solutions approved by key OEMs. The industry demands a range of lubricants with different base numbers (BN) - from 40 to 140 BN - to meet the varied needs of ships running on multiple fuel types. As the proportions of these fuels evolve, it’s anticipated that they will all still be in use by 2050, making the development of flexible, high-performance lubricants more critical than ever.
In addition to fuel diversity, the refining industry is undergoing a transformation that sees Group II base oils becoming more dominant than Group I oils. This shift requires additive and lubricant companies to invest in new technologies tailored for Group II formulations and secure necessary OEM approvals. Companies with extensive experience in additive technology development are at the forefront of these efforts, offering customers the flexibility to adapt to changing base oil dynamics.
Continued on page 22 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.184 DECEMBER 2024 21
Hui Hong Yeo, Large Engine Senior Product Manager, Lubrizol Ltd
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