Chevron Marine Lubricants launches environmentally acceptable grease

Chevron Marine Lubricants has launched a synthetic grease based on biodegradable synthetic esters meeting the requirements of the 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) rules for environmentally acceptable lubricants (EAL) issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Unlike the 2008 VGP,  the 2013 Vessel General Permit requires all vessels to use environmentally acceptable lubricants in all oil-to-sea interfaces unless technically infeasible. It applies to any commercial vessel longer than 79 feet (24.08 metres) operating within three nautical miles of the U.S. coastline. The VGP update was implemented as part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

EALs must be biodegradable, minimally toxic and non-bio-accumulative. Bioaccumulation refers to the potential for dangerous chemicals to build up inside the systems of water-dwelling organisms.

Clarity Synthetic EA Grease 0 is an anhydrous calcium thickened lubricating grease. The high-performance grease is suitable for a variety of marine applications where an NLGI 0 EA grease is required, including rudder carrier pumps, slides, hinges, and propeller caps.

The synthetic grease contains antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, and extreme pressure and anti-wear (EP/AW) additives. The calcium soap thickener, together with the biodegradable esters, makes the product particularly suitable for lubricating heavily loaded bearings. It features excellent adhesion and water resistance and is designed for extreme applications in wet and corrosive environments, even at low temperatures.

“This is an important addition to our product portfolio as it expands our range of EAL [environmentally acceptable lubricant] solutions to meet customers’ requirements,” said Martin Roessner, technical field specialist, Chevron. “Wherever the application involves a risk of contamination to the water, soil or channels, this new Clarity Synthetic EA Grease 0 is recommended.”

In addition to its marine applications, the synthetic grease has universal applications in forestry, agricultural, and construction vehicles. It is readily biodegradable and is easily pumpable in most modern centralized lubrication systems.