Castrol Marine has announced that it is supplying environmentally responsible lubricants to several new builds for Formosa Plastics Corporation (FPC), Taiwan's top petrochemical company.
The agreements cover the use of Castrol BioBar, a high specification, environmentally responsible hydraulic oil, within the cargo pumping system of five chemical carriers under construction at STX, Korea.
The vessels are scheduled for completion in the second quarter of this year and will join FPC's existing fleet, transporting intermediate raw materials for plastics and diesel fuel between the US, ASPAC and Taiwan.
BioBar offers reduced environmental impact when compared to conventional hydraulic fluids, with superior biodegradation and significantly reduced bioaccumulation and toxicity – minimising its environmental impact in equipment where there is a risk of accidental spillage or leakage into marine water.
In addition to its environmental benefits, BioBar delivers extended oil life proven in long field experience – up to 50 percent, when compared to conventional mineral oils. Its high viscosity index and low pour point allows start-up at low temperatures, and provides thicker lubricating film and therefore enhanced component protection at high temperatures, with excellent wear and corrosion protection.
"Agreements such as this show we are pioneering in the marine industry when it comes to protecting the world's oceans while helping to improve the overall performance of our customers' operations," said Castrol Marine Sales Director Luigi Tedesco.
"Our Korean technical engineer, David Park, introduced the Bio Range of lubricants to STX shipyard," Eric Ku, Castrol Marine Account Manager, said.
"BioBar's combination of environmentally motivated design and technical performance secured its inclusion on the approved list of lubricants."
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