Castrol introduces new cylinder oil for use in Emission Control Areas

Castrol has introduced a new cylinder oil specifically for vessels operating in Emissions Control Areas (ECAs) using low sulfur fuels. Castrol said the new lubricant, 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 sulfur fuel oil. Cyltech ACT has a base number (BN) of 16 and creates 30% less ash than a 25BN oil, while at the same time delivering excellent ring-zone cleanliness, Castrol said. Cyltech ACT has Letters of No Objection from major engine manufacturers and has performed exceptionally well in engine tests to date, Castrol added.

The new lubricant joins existing products within the Cyltech range, including Cyltech 70 and Cyltech 100.

Cyltech ACT will be available in Singapore, ARA and key USA ports by the end of the first quarter of 2016, with other countries and ports following throughout 2016.

“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,” said Paul Turner, VP marine and energy.

“In terms of the 2015 ECA requirements, we have invested in analyzing 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,” Turner said.

ECA legislation, which came into effect on Jan. 1 2015, requires vessels to meet sulfur restrictions of 0.10%.