Challenge
Berge Bulk Maritime revealed to Shell there were indications of cold corrosion on the surfaces of the cylinder liners of four of its vessels when using a BN 60 cylinder oil. This engine design is known to be sensitive to cold corrosion problems, so a higher base number cylinder oil is recommended to address this issue. The company was also keen to reduce the consumption of cylinder oil for lower operating costs.
Solution
Shell suggested changing the cylinder oil to Shell Alexia S6 in close collaboration with the vessel crew and the vessel manager, and using the Shell LubeMonitor programme to monitor cylinder and oil condition. Throughout the trial, the vessels’ crews received regular scavenge drain oil analyses and advice and recommendations on cylinder oil feed rate.
Outcome
After the trial, the cylinder oil consumption had fallen significantly from an average of 520 l/d for the BN 60 cylinder oil to about 370 l/d for Shell Alexia S6 for two of the vessels. The vessels were all able to maintain a feed rate of 0.80–0.85 g/kWh. The piston underside inspections revealed the condition of the cylinder liners was significantly better.
Value
Based on approximately 280 sailing days a year, Berge Bulk Maritime estimates the annual savings at about 14.2% or $113,000 for the four vessels by switching from a BN 60 cylinder oil to Shell Alexia S6 (BN 100).1 In addition, the wear rates for the piston rings and cylinder liners are controlled, which translates to longer periods between overhauls and thus maintenance cost savings.
