ExxonMobil announced yesterday it has added Mobilgard™ M420 to its range of advanced marine lubricants. Mobilgard M420 is a 20 BN oil that has been rigorously tested specifically for use in medium speed engines using fuels that comply with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) global 0.50 percent sulphur cap. The lubricant has received No Objection Letters from leading engine builders, including MAN ES and Wartsila.
With the marine fuel landscape changing in the lead up to 2020, Mobilgard M420 has been formulated for use on vessels running on 0.50 percent or 0.10 percent sulphur fuels. The oil builds on the proven effectiveness of the Mobilgard™ M Series, which is designed to provide outstanding performance in medium-speed marine engines, even in severe conditions. Its formulation can help protect against deposits on under-crowns, crankcases, ring belts and camshafts. It also helps:
· Extend the life of critical wear surfaces
· Optimise component life
· Minimise lubricant consumption
· Reduce maintenance and operational costs
Mobilgard M420 is also proven for use with liquefied natural gas (LNG) due to its low BN formulation. This helps ensure that deep-sea and coastal vessels with dual-fuel engines can continue using a single lubricant irrespective of their fuel selection.
ExxonMobil recommends that vessel operators also implement Mobil Serv℠ Lubricant Analysis, a full spectrum service to analyse used oil. The service for four-stroke engines includes the company's patented DAC test, which checks lubricant samples for asphaltene contamination. Left undetected, this could lead to piston damage and excessive oil consumption.
“This addition to our Mobilgard M Series range of oils will support vessel operators' transition to a low-sulphur future,” said Steve Walker, global marine equipment builder manager at ExxonMobil. “Used in combination with Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis, Mobilgard M420 can help ensure operators safely and efficiently comply with the IMO sulphur cap, without compromising on vessel performance.”
Mobilgard M420 will be available for supply from key hub ports such as Singapore, Houston and Rotterdam, effective early August. The lubricant availability will be expanded to further locations through ExxonMobil's extensive global networks of more than 650 ports before the end of the year. Mobilgard M420 joins Mobilgard 540, which is subject to further location announcements, in being explicitly formulated to help operators safely switch to low-Sulphur fuels.
Source: ExxonMobil