New range of non-sheening base fluids

The innovative Emkarox VG NS range of fluids can be blended with a suitable additive package to allow the formulation of Ecolabel-compliant environmentally acceptable lubricants without compromising on performance, even in the presence of water.

The company notes that the fluids have the unique property of partitioning into water when stern tube oil is dispelled into seawater.

The polyalkylene glycol based Emkarox VG NS base fluids are available in ISO 100 and ISO 150 grades and possess the properties of a conventional base oil. The base fluids possess excellent inherent hydrolytic stability and are non-emulsifiable.

The development of base fluids for stern tube oils that can meet the enhanced requirements of the European Ecolabel for Lubricants is an area of focus for lubricant producers.

The revision of the European Ecolabel on 1 January 2019 has increased demands for lubricants that have a limited impact on the aquatic environment, contain a limited amount of hazardous substances and have technical performance which is equal to or better than conventional lubricants. The one-year transitional period for lubricant producers elapsed on 31 December 2019.

Both stern tube oils and two-stroke cylinder oils are included in the Partial Loss Lubricants sub-group. Four-stroke cylinder oils continue to fall outside the scope of the regulations.