Over the coming weeks, Total Lubmarine blog will be publishing a series of technical focuses looking at some of the stories behind our comprehensive line of products. This week we look at BIO OG Plus from our bio grease EAL range.
Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), sometimes known as ‘bio-lubricants’, must be used in all situations where a lubricant or grease comes into direct contact with the ocean. Areas of vessels affected include controllable pitch propellers, stern tubes, rudder and thruster bearings, stabilizers, Azimuth thrusters, propulsion pod lubrication and wire rope and mechanical equipment that are subject to immersion or flushing. They must be biodegradable, minimally-toxic, and not bio-accumulative.
The USA has so far been the only jurisdiction to require ship operators to use EALs. In 2008, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Vessel General Permit (VGP) legislation focusing mainly on discharges from vessels but also recommending the use of biodegradable lubricants. In 2013 the EPA issued a second VGP that made the use of EALs mandatory. Whether or not other jurisdictions introduce legislation mandating the use of EALs remains to be seen, but the focus on the benefits of these products continues to be strong.
One such solution Total Lubmarine produces is BIO OG PLUS. Specifically formulated for sensitive applications such as open gears and chains under high load, BIO OG PLUS mitigates the challenges of working in environments where water contamination is common.
On top of being an extreme pressure and adhesive grease, BIO OG PLUS’s biodegradable qualities allow owners, managers and operators of vessels to take a more environmentally considerate approach to lubrication while ensuring equipment efficiency.
Total Lubmarine prides itself on its ability to offer an end-to-end lubrication solution, and with BIO OG PLUS, customer’s specific needs are met. As a key player in EALs for over two decades, customers can remain confident in Total Lubmarine’s credentials and experience. To date, more than 1,500 vessels utilize Total Lubmarine’s EAL products.
To see our full range of bio-lubricants, visit our section on Bio Oils and Greases (EAL).