Join our crew and become one of the 109,780 members that receive our newsletter.

Chevron Marine Lubricants keeps ships sailing amid VLSFO engine challenges

Piston with scuffing and deposits

Chevron Marine Lubricants keeps ships sailing amid VLSFO engine challenges

Mike McDonald
Total Views: 1118
January 18, 2021


Press Release – Chevron Marine Lubricants has helped ship owner customers identify and manage a distinctive engine condition challenge associated with the widespread switch to low-sulphur fuels.

Some ship owners using very low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) have reported build-up of red deposits on piston crowns and top edges, sometimes combined with red iron burrs in scavenge ports. The deposits are associated with abnormal liner wear (or scuffing) since the fuel switch, particularly on older two-stroke marine engines.

Marine Lubricant Solutions for Your Journey

Chevron used a four-step laboratory analysis to narrow down likely causes. The deposits were found to include a compound of materials including harmless detergent additive residue and iron oxide. The detergent residue was determined not to be a source of wear as the deposits were only found in single cylinders rather than across the engine.

The fuels associated with the red deposit and scuffing incidences were also analysed. Chevron found that the VLSFO blends involved showed differences from others in two fuel characteristics, typically a lower calculated carbon aromaticity index (CCAI) and high estimated cetane number (ECN).

Although VLSFO has been found to offer a typically higher energy value content than heavy fuel oil (HFO), and therefore can offer value for money, its combustion engine density properties can result in harsher operating conditions and more stress on the engine components. While most users transitioned smoothly, these properties can cause trouble for older engines, said Luc Verbeeke, Senior Engineer, Chevron Marine Lubricants.

“While newer ships do not have a problem using these fuels, engines already closer to an overhaul did struggle sometimes,” said Luc Verbeeke. “Cylinder units that could have run for another six months or a year on HFO did not survive the tougher conditions with the new fuels.”

An engine maintenance programme recommended by Chevron Marine Lubricants – supported by routine testing with Chevron’s DOT.FAST onboard testing kit – helped to provide protection against liner wear and damage. Incidences of red deposits and scuffing that were relatively frequent in the early days of VLSFO operation have since reduced significantly.

About Chevron Corporation
Chevron Corporation is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. Through its subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide, the company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemicals and additives; generates power and produces geothermal energy; and develops and deploys technologies that enhance business value in every aspect of the company’s operations. Chevron is based in San Ramon, California.
 
More information can be found at www.chevronmarineproducts.com 

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 109,780 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.