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K LINE cuts oil feed by over 24% despite high fuel sulphur level
Shell Alexia S4 and Shell’s technical services through a feed‑rate optimisation programme helped to reduce the cylinder oil consumption of the Kumanogawa by over 24%.
Company Information
Company: Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd
Country: Japan
Application: Very large crude carrier using fuel with 2.7–3.5% sulphur levels
Saving: Over 24% reduction in feed rate
Key Edge: Shell Alexia S4 and technical support.
K Line’s very large crude carrier, the Kumanogawa
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd (K Line) is one of the largest shipping companies in Japan. It was established in 1919 and currently operates about 550 vessels.
K Line’s very large crude carrier, the Kumanogawa, imports oil from the Middle East to Japan. The vessel is powered by a Kawasaki MAN B&W 7S80MC Mk VI engine that produces 25,480 kW at 79 rpm and typically uses fuel with 2.7–3.5% sulphur levels.
K Line wanted to reduce the operational costs of running the crude carrier Kumanogawa and an engine inspection had revealed signs of over-lubrication.
In 2011, K Line and Showa Shell began a detailed feed rate optimisation and a performance monitoring programme, which included using the onboard Shell ANALEXAlert iron wear measurement device; monitoring the total base number (TBN) with Onboard Plus; and using the Shell Rapid Lubricants Analysis (RLA) oil and equipment condition monitoring service.
The engine monitoring started in August 2011 when the feed rate was adjusted to 1.57 g/kWh with Shell Alexia 50 (BN70).
However, in July 2012 the vessel switched to Shell Alexia S4 (BN60) cylinder oil and was able to reduce the feed rate further to 1.18 g/kWh, a 24% reduction compared with Shell Alexia 50.
In addition, an inspection after 2,000 hours’ running with Shell Alexia S4 was carried out. Six pistons were examined and one piston, which had previously shown medium-to-heavy deposits was now observed to be much cleaner. The other pistons continued to exhibit good cleanliness (see graphic left).
Challenge
K Line wanted to reduce the operational costs of running the crude carrier Kumanogawa. An engine inspection had revealed signs of over‑lubrication.
Solution
K Line and Showa Shell began a feed rate optimisation programme with Shell Alexia 50, which included using the onboard Shell ANALEXAlert wear monitoring device, Onboard Plus TBN monitoring and the Shell RLA oil and equipment condition-monitoring service.
However, changing to Shell Alexia S4 enabled a further reduction in feed rate.
Outcome
An inspection after 2,000 hours’ running with Shell Alexia S4 showed the engine to be in an excellent condition, despite a feed rate reduction of over 24%, from 1.57 to 1.18 g/kWh. In addition, the engine pistons maintained their cleanliness and one piston, which had previously had medium-to-heavy deposits, was now much cleaner.
Value
Shell Alexia S4 and Shell’s technical services through the feed rate optimisation programme helped to reduce the cylinder oil consumption of the Kumanogawa by over 24%.