Total Lubmarine, supplier of marine lubricants and greases, yesterday expressed concern over what it claims is a biased interpretation of MAN’s recently issued customer service letters – technical documents which contain recommendations for both existing engines, which represent nearly the entire marketplace, as well as the engines of tomorrow. It clearly states that single oil solutions are approved for the vast majority of existing engines – 99% of current engines – but not yet for the 1% of engine represented by the Mark 9 and future G series.
Jean-Philippe Roman, Technical Director, explained: “Total Lubmarine respects the views of those that subscribe to conventional thinking; that old generation cylinder oil should have a BN that matches the sulphur content of the fuel. However, several of the new ‘single oil solution’ type products that have been launched recently, demonstrate that conventional wisdom on cylinder oils is moving away from old generation products and towards a high-performance future.
Five years of hard, corroborated evidence has shown that the Universal product gives excellent results under all operating conditions. Furthermore, the single oil solution offers significant savings as only one product is required. We believe it is misleading to categorise lubricants solely according to their BN – ‘old generation mid range formulations’ do not equate to or match the performance of the new generation ‘universal’ or ‘single’ solutions.”
The impending new challenges presented by 2015, 2020 and beyond come as no surprise – and more will ensue. Changing regulations, decreasing sulphur caps and altered operating conditions have, for some time, driven new engine types and designs, which quite rightly demand associated landmarks in the history of MCL evolution.
Mr Roman, Total Lubmarine explained: “As a true pioneer of marine cylinder lubricant solutions, Total Lubmarine is ready for this next stage. We remain wholly convinced that the new chemistry, developed over five years ago for Talusia Universal, underpins this next generation of products. As such, we will continue to work closely with both OEMs and customers to prove – as we have consistently to date – that the single oil solution of tomorrow represents the future of marine cylinder lubricants.”
In today’s challenging operating environment, Total Lubmarine remains committed to supporting all of its customers by developing and providing a wide range of products, rather than forcing them down a certain route. Although with five years of hard evidence the company remains wholly convinced of its universal product – a position reinforced by more than 70% of its customers, that have chosen and trust Talusia Universal.
Source: Total Lubmarine