Maersk Fluid Technology (MFT) has signed contracts with both Evergas and the Clipper Group for the supply of the SEA-Mate® Blending-on-Board (BOB) system. This recent order takes the total number of SEA-Mate® BOB systems invested in by ship owners to over two hundred units, representing millions of logged cylinder operation hours.
Evergas will install the SEA-Mate® B1000 unit on their vessels, a system which is suitable for medium range engines with a bore size of 50 – 72 cm. The Clipper Group have taken delivery of the smaller B500 unit, which is the system specifically designed for engines with a bore size of 26 – 48 cm, to be fitted on a vessel equipped with a MAN Diesel S42MC engine.
BOB facilitates better cylinder lubrication and system oil quality for all 2-stroke engine sizes
Initially a tool for reduction of lubrication issues on very large 2-stroke engines, the concept is today available in three different sizes and suitable for all modern 2-stroke engines. MFT’s BOB technology facilitates blending of the in-use system oil, as a base oil, with a high-BN cylinder oil product to produce a fit-for-purpose cylinder lubricant matching the actual fuel composition. With BOB units on board, ship operators can blend cylinder lubricant compositions that match actual engine operating conditions and fuel sulphur levels. The use of this technology can reduce cylinder oil consumption and alleviate issues such as cold corrosion, excessive cylinder wear. The system also mitigates issues associated with worn system oil, causing problems for the hydraulic control system in modern electronic 2-stroke engines. Once oil is refreshed, significant energy savings in connection with purification and frictional losses can be realised.
Designed in cooperation with the large engine designers and Maersk Line
The SEA-Mate® BOB concept is designed with a shipowners needs in mind and is actively developed together with the major engine designers and has received “no objection” letters for MAN Diesel & Turbo and Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD) engines. The system is suitable for use on all types of vessel, both retrofit and newbuild, and does not require installation of additional cylinder oil tanks nor does installation result in offhire – it is fitted and commissioned during regular port stays.
“Maersk Fluid Technology welcomes the recent orders from Evergas and Clipper Group. The 200+ unit orders received to date represent systems installed across a wide range of vessels types, for retrofit and newbuild application. This is a technology that is supporting ship operators with both changing engine operating conditions and fuel sulphur levels, it is needed in the industry and we are pleased that our order book reflects that requirement.” says Sune Lilbaek, Head of Sales at Maersk Fluid Technology.