Minerva Marine and Hans Jensen Lubricators have been working close together in the recent years, to allow Minerva Marine to capitalize on Hans Jensen Lubricators' engineering excellence and well established experience in developing innovating cylinder lubrication products.

The twofold objective to reduce CLOC and maintain engine's condition in a satisfactory level in terms of abrasive/ corrosive wear phenomena are achieved with HJ SIP. As cylinder lubrication is a critical part of marine engine operation, both from an engineering perspective, but also financially as it represents major expenses in the daily operation, Minerva Marine has invested both time and effort seeking for opportunities to address the issues in a holistic manner. The most recent project was the upgrade of the MDT Alpha lubricator on M/V “Minerva Symphony”. The standard non-return valves were replaced with HJ SIP cylinder lubrication technology on three of the six cylinders of the 6S70MC-C engine.

HJ SIP was installed in order to realize the pure advantage of pairing MDT Alpha lubrication system with HJ SIP technology in comparison to the standard non-return valves in terms of:

• Cylinder oil consumption
• Cylinder liner and piston rings condition.

Within the first week after installation there were clear signs of improvements. The feed rate was step-wise reduced on the three cylinders with HJ SIP. After a week the feed rate with HJ SIP was 40% lower than before upgrade. To substantiate initially claimed trouble-free performance of HJ SIP valves both Cylinder Drain Oil analysis and liners/piston rings wear measurements conducted at regular intervals over a period of three months since project's delivery.

It was proved by minimum wear rates that reduction of feed rate can be attained safely with HJ SIP without compromising engine's reliability. Driven from above Hans Jensen Lubricators has recommended Minerva Marine to reduce the feed rate even further.

Minerva Marine has ordered upgrade of the remaining cylinder units on M/V “Minerva Symphony” and full upgrade of sister vessel M/V ”Minerva Doxa”, due to the satisfactory outcome of the trial period. Minerva Marine and Hans Jensen Lubricators are now working to extend the cooperation to include more vessels.
Source: ELKCO Marine