Products for Inland Marine applications
Caltex advanced range of inland marine lubricant technology products for boats, vessels and equipment help deliver stem-to-stern protection and equipment reliability for inland/coastal operations.
MARINE ENGINE LUBRICANTS FAQs
Marine vessels use different lubricants for main engines, auxiliary engines, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, compressors, and deck machinery, each operating under different conditions.
- Marine Engine Cylinder Oils - For 2-stroke crosshead engines, lubricating cylinder liners and piston rings. Typical grades: BN 40, BN 70, BN 100+; SAE 50.
- Marine System Oils (Crankcase Oils) - For 2-stroke engine crankcases, bearings, and crossheads. Typical grades: SAE 30; BN 5-10.
- Trunk Piston Engine Oils (TPEO) - For 4-stroke medium-speed engines, including auxiliaries, generators, and some propulsion engines. Typical grades: SAE 30/40; BN 12-55.
- Gas Engine Oils - For LNG-fueled vessels and marine gas engines. Gear Oils - For reduction gearboxes and thrusters. Typical grades: ISO VG 150, 220, 320, 460.
- Hydraulic Oils - For steering gears, deck cranes, hatch covers, and winches. Typical grades: ISO VG 32, 46, 68.
- Compressor Oils - For starting/control air and refrigeration compressors. Typical grades: ISO VG 46, 68, 100, 150.
- Turbine Oils - For turbogenerators, steam turbines, and gas turbines. Typical grades: ISO VG 32, 46, 68.
- Stern Tube Lubricants - For propeller shaft bearings.
There are no fixed guidelines for oil drain interval. It depends on the engine type, fuel quality (High Sulphur vs. VLSFO), and operating conditions. Instead of fixed hours, most modern operators rely on Condition-Based Monitoring (CBM) and regular oil analysis to determine the optimal drain interval.
The five primary functions are:
- Lubrication: Creating a film to prevent friction and metal-to-metal contact.
- Cooling: Carrying away heat from pistons and bearings.
- Cleaning: Suspending contaminants (soot, sludge) to keep engines clean.
- Protection: Neutralizing acidic combustion by-products (especially from high-sulphur fuels).
- Corrosion Prevention: Coating metal surfaces to protect against rust.
- Prolong component life: Reduce operating cost.
Key factors include:
- Engine Type: 2-stroke crosshead vs. 4-stroke trunk piston.
- Fuel Type: The sulphur content of the fuel dictates the required Base Number (BN) of the cylinder oil, and trunk piston engine oils (TPEO)
- Operating Conditions: Ambient temperatures and engine load.
- Manufacturer Approvals: The oil must meet the OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications.
- Compatibility: Ensuring new oil is compatible with the oil already in the system.
- Environmental Compliance: Requirements for Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs).
Caltex offers a broad range of marine lubricants designed for modern vessel requirements. The portfolio includes Taro Ultra marine cylinder oils, Veritas marine system oils, Taro DP/XL trunk piston engine oils, Delo diesel engine oils and coolants, Meropa gear oils, GST turbine oils, and Rando hydraulic oils. These products are formulated to provide wear protection, engine cleanliness, and oxidation stability, helping vessel operators maintain reliable performance and protect critical marine equipment.
