Lube-Tech PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE


nanostructured coatings and slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS). The paper strongly emphasises biolubricants as sustainable alternatives and the application of nanotechnology to enhance lubrication performance. These developments collectively signal a shift toward cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable marine lubrication systems fit for modern environmental standards.


Environmental and regulatory drivers Lubricants, while essential for reducing wear and ensuring efficient operation in marine engines, can pose a major threat to aquatic life and the marine ecosystems. Their leakage and improper disposal contribute to water pollution, which harms marine organisms and disrupts nearby ecosystems [3]. To solve this issue, an emerging field of tribology is the synthesis of green lubricants, lubricants formulated to minimally impact the ecology of their regions in which they are used. In response, there is an on-going push towards greener alternatives and sustainable lubricants that maintain high performance without compromising marine health.


Over the past few decades, international organisations have increasingly focused on promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. In 2012, the European Union passed the Biological Product Regulations (BPR), which governs the market use of biological products, including lubricants, their additives, and anti-fouling systems [4]. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented the 2013 Vessel General Permits, replacing the existing 2008 version. This updated permit imposes stricter control and mandates the use of Environmental Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), which must be “biodegradable”, “minimally-toxic”, and “not bioaccumulative” [5].


Internationally, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships,


34 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.189 OCTOBER 2025


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also known as MARPOL, in 1973 to address and regulate the various types of pollution from marine vehicles, such as oils spills, air emissions, and sewage, through the adoption of different annexes [6]. Under MARPOL Annex VI, a new global sulphur cap was introduced on January 1, 2020, which decreased the maximum allowable sulphur content in marine fuel from 3.50% to 0.50% [7]. Additionally, Annex VI capped nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and onboard waste incineration in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gases.


As environmental policies and standards become more rigorous, the marine industry faces greater pressure to adopt lubricants that meet operational demands while aligning with ecological goals. This shift underscores the urgent need for innovative, sustainable lubricants capable of delivering strong performance while minimising environmental harm to marine life and air quality. With the growing number of global policies that have been passed to further reduce pollution and promote sustainability, the adoption of biodegradable and non-toxic lubricants is essential. These developments clearly emphasise that the path for marine lubricants prioritises performance, compliance, and environmental responsibility for the future.


Impact of lubricants on marine ecosystems While the drive to reduce airborne pollution is essential for curbing the ecological impact of large-scale shipping on the biosphere, marine leakage and spill off are far more significant when considering sustainable marine tribology. Lubricants can contribute to oil pollution in marine environments through leakage and spills from the ship engine, posing a serious threat to marine organisms [2]. The extent of this runoff is largely determined by key oil characteristics, mainly their viscosity, volatility, and toxicity [8]. Oil spills affect marine life, directly by physically smothering and poisoning animals due to the composition of the oil, and indirectly by destroying habitats and key species [9].


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