Lubricants

Marine Lubricants — Complete Guide

• Wilhelmsen Lubricants
• Armite Lubricants
• Types of Marine Lubricants
• Applications
• Selection Guide

Wilhelmsen Lubricants

Wilhelmsen marine lubricants cover the full range of greases and oils required for modern vessel maintenance. The Klüber product range supplied through Wilhelmsen includes mineral greases, EAL greases, mineral oils, EAL oils, and synthetic oils. These lubricants are engineered for demanding marine environments where reliability and environmental compliance are both critical requirements for vessel operators.

Mineral greases in the Wilhelmsen lubricants range include Klüberplex BEM 34-132, MICROLUBE GL 262, KLÜBERPLEX GE 11-680, GRAFLOSCON C-SG 0 ULTRA, KLÜBERPLEX AG 11-462, and KLÜBERPLEX BEM 41-132. EAL greases include KLÜBERBIO LG 39-701 N, KLÜBERBIO LG 39-700 N, and KLÜBERBIO AG 39-602, all biodegradable and suitable for environmentally sensitive areas. Mineral oils include KLÜBEROIL GEM 1-46 N, KLÜBEROIL GEM 1-68 N, KLÜBEROIL GEM 1-150 N, KLÜBERFLUID C-F 3 ULTRA, and KLÜBEROIL GEM 1-100 N.

EAL oils from the Wilhelmsen lubricants range include KLÜBERBIO LM 2-32, KLÜBERBIO EG 2-320, KLÜBERBIO EG 2-150, KLÜBERBIO RM 8-100, KLÜBERBIO RM 2-150, KLÜBERBIO EG 2-100, KLÜBERBIO RM 2-100, KLÜBERBIO LM 2-22, and KLÜBERBIO LM 2-46. Synthetic oils available include KLÜBER SUMMIT SH 32, KLÜBER SUMMIT SH 68, Klüber Summit NGL, KLÜBERSYNTH GEM 4-320 N LWC, KLÜBERSYNTH GEM 4-460 N, KLÜBER SUMMIT HYSYN FG 46, KLÜBER SUMMIT PGS 150, KLÜBERSYNTH GEM 4-150 N LWC, KLÜBER SUMMIT PGS 100, KLÜBER SUMMIT PGS 68, and KLÜBER SUMMIT PGI 68.

Armite Lubricants

Armite lubricants are specialty products designed for marine and aerospace applications. The Armite range supplied by PartYard includes the 12|34® Formula, Technical Petrolatum, Molybdenum Disulfide Petrolatum, Graphite Petrolatum, Zinc Dust Petrolatum, Boeing Anti-Seize Compound, MIL907, 1001 Penetrant, LP-250, LP-250F, No. 609, ZP-770, and CP-2000.

Armite marine lubricants offer high-performance protection for critical shipboard components. Products such as Molybdenum Disulfide Petrolatum and Graphite Petrolatum provide extreme pressure performance and anti-seize properties, making them ideal for threaded connections, valve stems, and sliding surfaces on commercial and naval vessels worldwide.

Types of Marine Lubricants

Marine lubricants are classified by base stock and intended application. The principal types used in marine engineering are mineral-based lubricants, environmentally acceptable lubricants, synthetic lubricants, and grease.

Mineral-Based Lubricants

Mineral lubricants refined from crude oil are the most widely used class of marine lubricants. They deliver reliable performance across a broad temperature range and are cost-effective for general-purpose applications including gearboxes, plain bearings, and auxiliary machinery throughout the vessel.

EAL — Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants

EAL lubricants minimise environmental impact in the event of accidental release into the sea. They use biodegradable base stocks such as synthetic esters, polyalkylene glycols, and vegetable oils. EAL lubricants are mandatory for open-to-sea interfaces including stern tubes, thruster seals, and stabiliser bearings under EPA VGP regulations and EU environmental directives. Vessel operators working in protected waters must use approved EAL lubricants for all applicable systems.

Synthetic Lubricants

Synthetic lubricants are manufactured through chemical synthesis to achieve performance characteristics not possible with mineral base stocks. They offer superior oxidation stability, extended drain intervals, consistent viscosity across wide temperature ranges, and improved energy efficiency. Synthetic lubricants are increasingly specified for main engine cylinder oils, crosshead lubricants, and system oils in modern two-stroke and four-stroke marine diesel engines.

Marine Grease

Marine grease is a semi-solid lubricant comprising a base oil thickened with a metallic soap or complex thickener. Greases are used where oil would not stay in place, including open gears, wire ropes, deck equipment bearings, anchor windlasses, steering gear, and mooring winches. Marine grease must resist water washout, corrosion, and mechanical shear under demanding sea service conditions. The Klüber range from Wilhelmsen includes mineral grease and EAL grease formulations certified for marine applications.

Applications of Marine Lubricants

Marine lubricants are used throughout the vessel in machinery spaces, on deck, and in cargo handling systems. The correct selection of lubricants for each system is essential for reliable operation, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective maintenance.

• Main propulsion engines — cylinder oils, system lubricants, and crankcase oils for two-stroke and four-stroke diesels
• Stern tube bearings — EAL lubricants required at all open-to-sea interfaces
• Deck machinery — greases and gear oils for winches, windlasses, cranes, and capstans
• Hydraulic systems — hydraulic oils for steering gear, hatch covers, and deck cranes
• Thruster systems — EAL lubricants for azimuth thrusters and bow thrusters
• Reduction gearboxes — gear oils and synthetic lubricants rated for high-load service
• Air compressors — compressor lubricants rated for high-pressure service cycles
• Refrigeration systems — specialty lubricants compatible with refrigerant gases

PartYard can assist vessel operators and fleet managers in identifying the right products from the Wilhelmsen lubricants and Armite lubricants ranges for every application on board.

Lubricant Selection Guide

Choosing the correct marine lubricants involves understanding the OEM specification for the equipment, the applicable environmental regulations, the vessel’s trading area, and the expected operating temperature range. The following criteria should guide selection decisions.

OEM Approvals

Equipment manufacturers specify approved lubricants in their service documentation. Using approved products maintains warranty coverage and ensures compatibility with seals, metals, and internal coatings. Klüber lubricants from Wilhelmsen carry a wide range of OEM approvals for major marine equipment manufacturers globally.

Environmental Compliance

For stern tube systems, thrusters, stabilisers, and other open-to-sea interfaces, EAL lubricants are mandatory under EPA VGP regulations for vessels operating in US waters. Both the Wilhelmsen EAL lubricants range and the Armite specialty range include products approved for these environmentally sensitive applications.

Viscosity Grade

Viscosity is the most important physical property in lubricant selection. The correct viscosity ensures adequate film thickness at operating temperature while minimising frictional losses. Products are specified by ISO VG grade or SAE grade to match the equipment manufacturer’s recommendation for the prevailing operating temperature range on the vessel.

Compatibility

When changing from one product to another, compatibility must be verified to avoid thickener breakdown in greases, additive precipitation in oils, or deposit formation. Flushing procedures may be required when switching brands or product types to ensure a clean system prior to filling with new product.

Marine Engineering and Vessel Maintenance

Effective maintenance of commercial vessels requires a systematic approach combining scheduled inspections, condition monitoring programmes, and timely replacement of wearing parts. Ship operators who invest in proactive maintenance consistently achieve lower operational costs, fewer unplanned port calls, and extended service intervals for critical machinery throughout the vessel. The shift from reactive to predictive maintenance has transformed how modern fleets manage their assets and control costs over the full lifecycle of each vessel.

A well-structured maintenance schedule considers the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations, the operational profile of the vessel, and the environmental conditions encountered on the route. Vessels trading in tropical waters face different degradation mechanisms from those operating in cold northern routes. Salt spray, high humidity, temperature cycling, and biofouling each impose unique stresses on mechanical systems and their protective coatings. Understanding these factors allows engineers to tailor maintenance intervals and product selection to actual service conditions rather than generic schedules.

Oil Analysis Programmes

Regular oil analysis provides early warning of machinery deterioration by tracking changes in particle count, viscosity, acid number, and contamination level in fluid samples. Spectroscopic analysis identifies trace metals shed from bearing surfaces, piston rings, cylinder liners, and gear teeth, allowing targeted inspection of specific components before damage progresses. Many ship management companies use digital platforms to track oil analysis results across their entire fleets, enabling trend benchmarking and performance comparison between sister vessels operating on similar routes.

Vibration analysis complements oil sampling by detecting imbalance, misalignment, looseness, and bearing defects in rotating equipment. Portable instruments allow crew members to collect data during normal operations for transmission to shore-based engineers. Integrating oil analysis, vibration monitoring, and thermographic inspection creates a comprehensive condition picture that supports confident maintenance decisions and budget planning for upcoming dry dock periods.

Planned Maintenance Systems

A computerised planned maintenance system tracks equipment history, schedules recurring tasks, and manages the spare parts inventory. These tools ensure maintenance is performed consistently regardless of crew changes, reducing the risk that tasks are overlooked during handovers. Classification society surveyors review planned maintenance system records during annual surveys to verify compliance with maintenance obligations. Integration with procurement and inventory platforms reduces administrative effort and ensures that required materials are on board when needed.

Deck Machinery Operations

Deck machinery on commercial vessels includes mooring winches, cargo cranes, anchor windlasses, capstans, hatch covers, and ramps. These systems must operate reliably under heavy loads and adverse weather conditions throughout the operational life of the vessel. Regular inspection of wire ropes for broken wires, corrosion, and diameter reduction, along with timely renewal based on classification society criteria, is essential for safe deck operations.

Hydraulic power units driving deck machinery must be kept free from contamination to preserve the service life of pumps, motors, control valves, and cylinders. Periodic fluid sampling, filter element replacement based on differential pressure readings, and correct reservoir maintenance extend hydraulic system reliability and reduce the frequency of costly component replacements.

Propulsion and Shaft Line

The propulsion train connects the main engine to the propeller through a shaft line supported by intermediate and stern tube bearings. Correct alignment of this system is essential for minimising bearing wear, preventing vibration, and preserving the integrity of stern tube seals. Laser alignment surveys after dry docking or significant structural repair verify that the shaft line geometry remains within the manufacturer’s tolerances for bearing loads and seal performance.

Propeller efficiency directly affects fuel consumption and voyage economics. Hull and propeller cleaning during the dry dock cycle and through periodic underwater cleaning restores hydrodynamic performance degraded by biofouling and surface roughness. Damage to propeller blades from cavitation erosion, impact, or corrosion reduces efficiency and may cause vibration that accelerates bearing wear and fatigue of hull structure in the stern area.

Environmental Regulations in Shipping

The regulatory framework governing emissions, discharges, and waste management in international shipping continues to evolve. MARPOL Annex VI sets global limits on sulphur content in marine fuel and requires vessels to monitor and report fuel consumption under the IMO Data Collection System. The EU MRV regulation imposes additional monitoring and reporting requirements for vessels trading to European ports. Port state control inspections enforce compliance with these regulations and may result in detention where serious deficiencies are found.

Ballast water management regulations require vessels to treat ballast water to an approved biological standard before discharge, addressing the risk of invasive species transfer between marine ecosystems. Waste management plans cover the handling and disposal of garbage, sewage, oily waste, and cargo residues in compliance with MARPOL requirements and port reception facility arrangements.

PartYard Marine Products

PartYard supplies marine spare parts, maintenance consumables, and technical products to commercial vessel operators and ship management companies worldwide. The product range includes propulsion components, deck machinery spares, electrical parts, safety equipment, and specialist maintenance products. Quality assurance processes ensure that products supplied by PartYard meet the required specifications and are sourced from approved manufacturers.

The PartYard technical team provides assistance with product identification, compatibility checking, and delivery coordination. Products are delivered to vessels at ports worldwide, supporting maintenance schedules and minimising delays to planned operations. Customers requiring information about product availability, pricing, or technical specifications are invited to submit a request using the enquiry form on this page. PartYard aims to respond to all product enquiries promptly with accurate information to support customer decision-making.

Vessel Safety and Certification

Commercial vessels operating in international trade must comply with a comprehensive framework of safety requirements established by the International Maritime Organization and implemented through national maritime administrations. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea establishes minimum requirements for vessel construction, equipment, and operation. These requirements cover structural integrity, fire protection, life-saving appliances, radio communications, navigation equipment, and machinery safety systems. Compliance is verified through periodic surveys by classification societies acting on behalf of flag states, with certificates issued to confirm that the vessel meets the required standards.

The International Safety Management Code requires shipowners to establish a documented safety management system covering all operational activities, including emergency preparedness, accident investigation, and continuous improvement. Audits of the SMS by classification societies and flag state administrations verify that the system is implemented effectively throughout the organisation, both ashore and on board. The Document of Compliance held by the company and the Safety Management Certificate carried on each vessel demonstrate adherence to the Code’s requirements.

Crew Certification and Manning

The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping convention establishes the minimum qualification requirements for officers and ratings serving on merchant vessels. Certificates of competency for masters, chief engineers, deck officers, and engineer officers are issued by maritime administrations following successful completion of approved training programmes and sea service requirements. Endorsements confirming recognition of certificates issued by other administrations are required for officers serving on vessels flying flags other than their own. Shipowners must ensure that vessels are manned with seafarers holding the appropriate certificates for their rank and the type of vessel in which they are serving.

The Maritime Labour Convention establishes the rights of seafarers regarding working hours and rest periods, leave entitlement, repatriation, compensation for injury or illness, and accommodation standards. Port state control officers inspect vessels to verify compliance with the MLC alongside safety and environmental requirements. Deficiencies may result in detention of the vessel until corrective action is taken, with significant commercial and reputational consequences for the operator.

Classification and Surveys

Classification societies establish technical rules for the design, construction, and maintenance of ships and offshore structures. They verify that vessels are built in accordance with their rules and remain in class through a programme of periodic surveys throughout the vessel’s life. The main periodic surveys are the annual survey, the intermediate survey conducted at the vessel’s second or third anniversary, and the special survey at five-year intervals. The special survey involves a comprehensive examination of the hull structure, machinery, and equipment to verify the vessel’s continued fitness for service.

Continuous survey programmes allow owners to distribute the survey workload more evenly across the survey cycle rather than concentrating major work at the five-year special survey. Under continuous survey arrangements, different systems and components are surveyed on a rolling basis, with each item examined at least once in every five-year cycle. This approach can simplify dry docking planning and operational scheduling, though it requires careful administration to ensure that all survey items are addressed within the required intervals.

Dry Docking and Hull Maintenance

Dry docking is the major maintenance event in the vessel’s life cycle, providing access to the underwater hull for inspection, cleaning, and coating renewal. The dry dock period is also used for examination and overhaul of sea chest gratings, sea valves, propeller shaft seals, rudder bearings, bow thruster tunnels, and other fittings that are inaccessible when the vessel is afloat. Class surveyors attend the dry docking to carry out thickness measurements of the hull plating, examine structural members, and verify the condition of underwater equipment.

Hull coating performance has a direct impact on fuel consumption through its effect on frictional resistance. A clean, smooth hull surface minimises the growth of biofouling organisms that increase resistance and reduce vessel speed for a given engine power output. The selection of antifouling coating is influenced by the vessel’s operational profile, including its trading area, average speed, and typical port stay duration. High-activity antifouling coatings with faster biocide release rates are appropriate for slow-steaming vessels with long port stays, while lower-activity products may be suitable for faster vessels that spend less time at berth.

Cargo Operations and Hatch Covers

Hatch covers on bulk carriers, container ships, and general cargo vessels must provide a weathertight seal to protect cargo from water ingress. Regular inspection and maintenance of hatch cover seals, cleating mechanisms, drainage channels, and hydraulic operating systems is essential for cargo protection and insurance compliance. Hatch cover ultrasonic testing verifies the integrity of seals before and during voyages, providing documentary evidence that the vessel took all reasonable precautions to prevent cargo damage.

Cargo hold preparation between voyages requires thorough cleaning to remove residues from the previous cargo and ensure the hold is suitable for the next commodity. The degree of preparation required depends on the cargoes involved, with strict standards applied when transitioning from dirty bulk cargoes such as coal or fertiliser to clean cargoes such as grain. Hold washing systems, ventilation fans, and bilge systems must all be in good working order to meet cargo cleanliness requirements and prevent moisture damage during the voyage.

Navigation and Bridge Equipment

Modern vessels are equipped with integrated navigation systems combining electronic chart display, automatic identification systems, radar, GPS, and voyage data recorders. These systems assist navigators in planning and executing safe voyages, monitoring traffic separation schemes, and maintaining accurate records of the vessel’s movements. Regular testing and calibration of navigation equipment ensures that it performs reliably when most needed, particularly in confined waters, adverse weather, and periods of high traffic density.

Bridge equipment maintenance is governed by SOLAS requirements and the recommendations of equipment manufacturers. Annual performance standards checks for radar, ECDIS, GMDSS radio equipment, and AIS verify that the equipment is operating within the required parameters. Software updates for chart databases and navigation system firmware must be applied according to manufacturer recommendations to maintain chart accuracy and system security. Ships’ officers should be familiar with the limitations of electronic navigation aids and maintain the ability to navigate using traditional methods as a backup.

Port Operations and Terminal Procedures

Port calls require careful coordination between the vessel, its agents, port authorities, and terminal operators. Pre-arrival notifications, berth booking, customs formalities, and crew change arrangements must all be managed efficiently to minimise time in port. The port agent plays a key role in coordinating these activities, liaising with harbour masters, arranging pilotage, organising vessel supplies and spare parts delivery, and facilitating crew movements.

Terminal safety procedures govern the conduct of vessel operations during loading and discharge. Ship-shore safety checklists confirm that communication, mooring arrangements, gangway access, fire prevention measures, and emergency procedures are in place before cargo operations commence. Regular checks during the operation verify that conditions remain safe and that any changes in vessel draught, trim, or list are managed appropriately. Departure checks ensure that all cargo operations are complete, hatch covers are secured, and the vessel is ready for sea before unmooring.

Spare Parts Logistics

The supply of spare parts and consumables to vessels at sea or in port requires efficient logistics coordination. Time-critical spares may need to be airfreighted to the next port of call, while routine items can be consolidated in a planned shipment timed to arrive before the vessel’s scheduled maintenance period. Customs clearance for ships’ stores and spare parts is managed by the port agent using a ship’s stores declaration or similar documentation recognised by the local authorities.

Inventory management on board must balance the cost of carrying spares against the operational risk of parts unavailability. Classification society rules mandate the carriage of certain critical spares, while the vessel’s planned maintenance system and historical consumption data guide the selection of additional items to hold in the ship’s store. Regular stock reconciliation and consumption tracking keep the inventory accurate and support timely reordering of items approaching minimum stock levels.

Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation

Shipping accounts for approximately three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the industry faces increasing regulatory and commercial pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. The IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator rating system assesses the operational efficiency of individual vessels and requires improvement plans for those rated D or E in consecutive years. The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index establishes a benchmark for technical efficiency against which vessels are measured, with required improvements increasing over time toward 2030 targets.

Alternative fuels including liquefied natural gas, biomethane, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen are being evaluated and adopted across different shipping segments. Each fuel presents different challenges for storage, handling, combustion, and safety management. The transition to alternative fuels requires significant investment in vessel conversion or newbuilding, fuel infrastructure, and crew training. Many operators are pursuing a strategy of incremental efficiency improvement on existing vessels while positioning for alternative fuel adoption in future newbuilding programmes.

Risk Management and Insurance

Marine insurance protects vessel owners and operators against the financial consequences of physical damage to the vessel, liability for damage caused to third parties, and loss of earnings resulting from vessel unavailability. Hull and machinery insurance covers physical damage to the vessel and its equipment. Protection and indemnity insurance covers third-party liabilities including cargo claims, collision liability, pollution, and crew injury. Loss of hire insurance compensates for lost revenue during periods when the vessel is off-hire due to damage or breakdown.

Risk assessment and management are integral to safe vessel operations. Formal safety assessments identify hazards, evaluate risks, and determine appropriate control measures for high-risk operations and new activities. Accident investigation following incidents provides lessons that inform improvements to procedures, equipment, and training. Near-miss reporting encourages the identification and correction of unsafe conditions before they result in accidents, fostering a proactive safety culture throughout the organisation.

Technical Superintendency

Technical superintendents are responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and certification of assigned vessels within a fleet. They work closely with chief engineers and masters to plan dry dockings, approve major repairs, manage class requirements, and ensure that vessels remain in compliance with flag state and port state requirements. Regular vessel visits allow superintendents to assess the condition of the vessel, review maintenance records, discuss technical issues with the crew, and verify that approved procedures are being followed correctly.

Budget management is a significant responsibility for technical superintendents, who must balance the need for adequate maintenance investment against commercial pressure to minimise operating costs. Accurate cost forecasting for planned maintenance, dry docking, and unplanned repairs requires good historical data, knowledge of current market rates for services and materials, and realistic assessment of each vessel’s condition and age-related maintenance requirements. Benchmark comparisons against similar vessels in the fleet or industry data help identify where costs are higher than expected and focus attention on improvement opportunities.

Digitalisation in Shipping

The maritime industry is undergoing rapid digitalisation, with new technologies transforming vessel operations, fleet management, and supply chain coordination. Remote monitoring systems transmit real-time performance data from vessels to shore, enabling continuous oversight of engine parameters, fuel consumption, and equipment condition without waiting for port calls or crew reports. Predictive analytics tools process this data to identify developing faults and recommend maintenance actions before failures occur, reducing unplanned downtime and costly emergency repairs.

Digital twins — virtual models of vessels and their systems — allow operators to simulate operational scenarios, test maintenance strategies, and predict the effects of modifications before implementing changes on the actual vessel. Blockchain technology is being explored for applications in documentation management, cargo tracking, and crew certification verification. Autonomous and remotely operated vessels are progressing from research programmes toward commercial deployment in certain segments, requiring new approaches to regulation, certification, and operational management.