VPS: Ship Lube Oil Status Alert Even Post-Purification | Mariner News

A recent analysis by global testing firm VPS reveals a concerning trend: over two-thirds of marine lubricants remain in caution or alert status even after passing through onboard purifier systems. This critical finding suggests many vessels may not be fully optimizing their lubrication management and purification processes, potentially impacting engine health and operational efficiency across the maritime industry.

Persistent Contamination Challenges Marine Lubricants

The data indicates that while viscosity changes are often monitored, they account for less than half of the caution or failure cases. A significant majority, over 50%, are attributed to external contamination, primarily elevated water content and iron particles. Despite purification systems being designed to remove such contaminants, their effectiveness is often compromised by sub-optimal operational settings.

Enhancing Lube Oil Management for Peak Performance

To achieve measurable improvements, vessel operators must meticulously review and adjust their purification system parameters. Factors such as incorrect temperature, flow rate, or separator configuration can severely hinder contaminant removal. For instance, if pre-purifier water content exceeds 0.20%m/m, a noticeable reduction should occur post-treatment; temperature control is a critical factor.

Optimizing onboard lube oil purification is essential for extending engine life, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing overall vessel performance and operational sustainability. By addressing these purification challenges, shipping companies can ensure their ship lubricants perform at their best, safeguarding critical engine components for more efficient and reliable maritime operations.