The Asian maritime industry is vital to the entirety of global shipping, with 50% of the world fleet owned or operated in Asia and 85% of global shipbuilding capacity based in the region.
Specifically focusing on the latest technological developments across the industry, the Asian Marine Engineering Conference (AMEC) exists as an important event for regional fleet managers, superintendents, chief engineers, technical directors and of course, for shipowners.
From the latest on marine engines and auxiliary equipment, fuel and lubrication technology and turbochargers; to key perspectives on maintenance, drydocking and training – AMEC is an essential discussion forum, influencing the development and awareness of technologies in the marine sector.
Representing Total Lubmarine at the event was Technical Director Jean-Philippe Roman:
‘It was a privilege to be a part of the AMEC panel to discuss some very important topics. By bringing together individuals from around the industry, we can help to overcome issues and discuss the use of new technologies. I was pleased to be able to represent Total Lubmarine, promoting the importance of engine data and its use in monitoring, as well as showcasing how our products offer solutions for the future’.
As a panellist during the session on marine lubricants, Jean-Philippe was instrumental in discussing lubricant advancement and performance, as well as environmental and operational benefits. With the 2020 Sulphur Cap on the horizon, shipowners and operators are being forced to consider different fuel options, which have introduced new challenges when choosing their lubricants.
Specifically covering the drivers behind lubricant development, the panel spoke about product evolutions for slow, medium and high-speed engines, as well as dual fuel and gas engines. Similarly, they addressed the uncertainty of lubricating for low-sulphur fuels, distillate fuels and their changeovers, ECA fuel challenges, environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) and sterntube lubrication.
Utilising one of Total Lubmarine’s innovative products as an example of how the company is evolving its services, Jean-Philippe spoke about Total Lubmarine’s drain oil analysis service – helping customers to efficiently monitor their Cylinder Lube Oil (CLO) feed rate optimisation.
‘By utilising Diagomar Plus (oil analysis service) data alongside vessel data, we are able to put together a drain oil analysis report, revealing any issues within the engine and allowing us to recommend a course of action for increased efficiency and streamlined operations’.
With 120 attendees, as well as panel representatives from across the marine sector, this year’s AMEC was a great success. As many owners and operators worry about fuel changes, price uncertainty and other operational constraints, Total Lubmarine remains dedicated to developing solutions that will help its customers prepare for 2020.