ExxonMobil adds M420 to range of marine lubricants

Mobilgard M420 has received No Objection Letters from both MAN ES and Wärtsilä. It is also proven for use with liquefied natural gas (LNG) due to its low BN formulation.

The new lubricant builds on the proven effectiveness of the Mobilgard™ M Series, which is designed to provide outstanding performance in medium-speed marine engines, even in severe conditions.

With the marine fuel landscape changing in the lead up to 2020, Mobilgard M420 has been formulated for use on vessels running on 0.5% or 0.1% sulphur fuels. The oil builds on the proven effectiveness of the Mobilgard M Series, which is designed to provide outstanding performance in medium-speed marine engines, even in severe conditions. Its formulation can help protect against deposits on under-crowns, crankcases, ring belts and camshafts. It also helps:

· Extend the life of critical wear surfaces

· Optimise component life

· Minimise lubricant consumption

· Reduce maintenance and operational costs

Mobilgard M420 is also proven for use with LNG due to its low BN formulation. This helps ensure that deep-sea and coastal vessels with dual-fuel engines can continue using a single lubricant irrespective of their fuel selection.

ExxonMobil recommends that vessel operators also implement Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis, a full spectrum service to analyse used oil. The service for four-stroke engines includes the company’s patented DAC test, which checks lubricant samples for asphaltene contamination. Left undetected, this could lead to piston damage and excessive oil consumption.

Mobilgard M420 will be available for supply from key hub ports such as Singapore, Houston and Rotterdam, effective early August. The lubricant availability will be expanded to further locations through ExxonMobil’s extensive global networks of more than 650 ports before the end of the year. Mobilgard M420 joins Mobilgard 540, which is subject to further location announcements, in being explicitly formulated to help operators safely switch to low-Sulphur fuels.