Cylinder condition monitoring helps HTM Shipping cut lubricant consumption by 17 per cent

Mobil Serv℠ Cylinder Condition Monitoring helped HTM Shipping reduce cylinder oil feed rates in two of its vessels, the M/V Jia Da and M/V Jia Run. The trials were so successful that the service was rolled out across its fleet, which resulted in an overall reduction in cylinder oil consumption of 17 per cent in 12 months.

Evolving international emission standards and a switch to slow steaming have combined to create unprecedented operating challenges for two-stroke marine diesel engines. Consequently, vessel operators such as HTM Shipping are looking for ways to protect engines working under severe conditions that can also help reduce operating costs.

Optimised feed rates

ExxonMobil worked with HTM Shipping to implement Mobil Serv Cylinder Condition Monitoring, a comprehensive lubrication support service that combines simple-to-use onboard tests with onshore technical support to analyse scrape down oil samples. The resulting insights contributed towards extending piston overhaul intervals and also help optimise feed rates.

Data from the Mobil Serv Cylinder Condition Monitoring service enabled HTM Shipping to reduce the feed rate for M/V Jia Da’s engine and realise a savings of 32 per cent. For the M/V Jia Run’s engine, the rate was cut as well with a drop of 9.2 per cent. In both instances there were no increases in engine wear.

In light of the benefits, similar regimens were implemented across the HTM Shipping fleet – nine vessels in total – delivering the company a combined annual cylinder oil savings of 17 per cent.

* This Proof of Performance is based on the experience of a single customer. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used.