Challenge
To cut its fleet running costs successfully, Oskar Wehr contacted Shell for support on optimising the cylinder lubrication feed rate of the main engines of its 25 vessels while following the equipment manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
Solution
Shell worked closely with the technical department of Oskar Wehr in order to understand the operating conditions and lubrication needs of the vessels using the Shell LubeMonitor Service. Cylinder monitoring onboard using the Shell Onboard Alert and Shell Rapid Lubricants Analysis services were proposed to help optimise the cylinder oil feed rate andmanage engine wear. The monitoring revealed that the cylinder oil feed could safely be reduced by a significant 25%; this has now been applied to all the vessels.
Outcome
Through close collaboration with Shell and by using the Shell LubeMonitor service, Oskar Wehr has cut its cylinder oil costs by reducing the oil feed rate by 0.2 g/kWh in each of 25 vessels while complying with the equipment manufacturer’s feed rate recommendations.
Value
Oskar Wehr reports saving up to $20,000 per vessel per year. The company is very satisfied with the performance of the Shell Alexia cylinder oils and the Shell LubeMonitor service.
