Bio lubricants to be supplied for Taiwan newbuilds

The agreements cover the use of Castrol BioBar, described as a high specification, environmentally responsible hydraulic oil, within the cargo pumping system of five chemical carriers under construction in Jinhae shipping yard, Korea by STX Offshore & Shipping. The vessels are scheduled for completion in the second quarter of this year and will join FPC’s existing fleet, transporting intermediate raw materials for plastics and diesel fuel between the US, ASPAC and Taiwan.

BioBar is claimed to offer reduced environmental impact when compared to conventional hydraulic fluids, with superior biodegradation and significantly reduced bioaccumulation and toxicity – minimising its environmental impact in equipment where there is a risk of accidental spillage or leakage into marine water.

In addition to its environmental benefits, BioBar delivers extended oil life proven in long field experience – up to 50%, when compared to conventional mineral oils. Its high viscosity index and low pour point allows start-up at low temperatures, and provides thicker lubricating film and therefore enhanced component protection at high temperatures, with excellent wear and corrosion protection.

“Agreements such as this show we are pioneering in the marine industry when it comes to protecting the world’s oceans while helping to improve the overall performance of our customers’ operations,” said Castrol Marine Sales Director Luigi Tedesco.

FPC, like Castrol Marine, invests heavily in research and development, continually searching for high efficiency, low polluting new processes and pollution abatement technology. BioBar is therefore a natural extension of FPC’s rigorous environmental performance strategy.

Eric Ku, Castrol Marine account manager, said: “Our Korean technical engineer, David Park, proactively introduced the Bio Range of lubricants to STX shipyard. BioBar’s combination of environmentally motivated design and technical performance secured its inclusion on the approved list of lubricants.”