Cyltech ACT applies new technology to protect engines using 2015 ECA-compliant low sulphur fuel oils Shanghai, 1 December 2015 – Leading global lubricants manufacturer Castrol, has announced the launch of Cyltech ACT, a new cylinder oil specifically designed for vessels operating in Emissions Control Areas (ECAs) using low sulphur fuels (including LNG). The new lubricant reflects Castrol’s ongoing commitment to developing a tailored and informed cylinder oil strategy that helps ship operators to successfully manage the complexity of transitioning ECAs.
Cyltech ACT utilises Ash Control Technology (ACT), which minimises the risk of ash build up. Preventing hard ash build up is essential for protecting critical parts of the engine when burning low sulphur fuel oil. Cyltech ACT has a BN of 16 and creates over 30% less ash than a 25BN oil[1], whilst at the same time delivering excellent ring-zone cleanliness. As a result, Cyltech ACT has Letters of No Objection from the major engine manufacturers and has performed exceptionally well in engine tests to date.
Paul Turner, VP marine and energy, Castrol said: “New regulations, changes in engine design and vessel operations plus alternative fuels are presenting our customers with increasing challenges. Castrol has always maintained that effectively lubricating the cylinders of large 2-stroke engines in today’s complex environment can only be achieved through the selection of a range of lubricants. In terms of the 2015 ECA requirements, we have invested in analysing vessels’ transitions so that we can bring a high performance lubricant to market that is based on insight-driven technology. This is the latest example of how we are working collaboratively with ship operators to recommend the right lubricants for each vessel’s operating profile as well as helping them to create efficiencies through approaches such as feed rate optimisation.”
ECA legislation, which came into force on 1 January 2015, requires vessels to meet sulphur restrictions of 0.10%. Castrol has always maintained that every vessel will require a different cylinder oil strategy tailored to meet specific trading patterns and operational factors, which relies upon selecting the right combination of lubricants. This is a position that is mandated by the OEMs.
Through building an in-depth understanding of ECA transitions and by concentrating on its customers and chemistry, Castrol has accumulated significant experience across a wide range of engines and operating regimes. Castrol understands that careful assessment of engine type and mark, length of time spent in ECAs, fuel sulphur content outside of ECAs, specific operating parameters such as slow steaming and the number of lube oil storage tanks on a vessel all directly influence the optimal cylinder oil strategy for any given vessel or fleet. Castrol has a global network of knowledgeable and experienced technical support engineers to advise customers on the best options for every vessel.
The new lubricant joins existing products within the Cyltech range, including Cyltech 70 and Cyltech 100. Only by selecting the right combination of products can acceptable levels of protection against corrosive wear be achieved, particularly for many engines that were on slow steaming regimes or for new engine designs that were particularly prone to corrosive wear.
Cyltech ACT will be available in Singapore, ARA and key USA ports by the end of Q1 2016 with other countries and ports following throughout 2016.
For more information about Castrol’s range of marine lubricants and technical support services, please visit the Castrol website:http://www.castrol.com/en/b2b/
