Chevron Oronite passes Main NOL test from MAN Energy Solutions

U.S.-based global additive manufacturer Chevron Oronite has passed the Main No Objection Letter (NOL) test from MAN Energy Solutions (ES) with two 40BN MCL additive formulations designed to meet the new category II (Cat II) MCL lubricant requirements. These lubricants are applicable for all engine types and recommended for MAN B&W two-stroke engines, Mark 9 and higher.

“We are proud to have received Main NOLs from MAN Energy Solutions on two of our 40BN MCL additive formulations, as these Cat II cylinder oils need to have excellent overall performance with a special focus on cleaning ability,” said Ilse Oelius Smaal, global marine manager, Chevron Oronite. She also added that “one of these formulations was designed to limit the amount of bright stock needed in the finished oil.”

Developed in Oronite’s marine lubricant research facility in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, the two new additive formulations have gone through rigorous testing in both the lab and the marine test engines at the facility. Main NOL service tests, which have run for almost 3,700 hours, were executed on vessels equipped with MAN two-stroke engines. Upon completion of the required pre-screening and Main NOL service test, customers who want to obtain a read across approval based on Oronite’s 40BN MCL additive formulations must run their own field confirmation test. A full NOL is issued once these requirements are met.

In May 2020, MAN Energy Solutions introduced a new cylinder oil strategy to raise the performance level of cylinder oils by dividing them into two performance categories – Category I and Category II. Category II is the higher performing category.

Cylinders oils with a current No Objection Letter are considered to be in Category I. These are applicable for MAN B&W two-stroke engine Mark 8 and lower. Category II cylinder oils have excellent overall performance, with a special focus on cleaning ability. In order to receive this status, the cylinder oil is tested thoroughly. The first cylinder oils to go through the Category II process were the 100 and 140 BN oils, and the aim was that other lubricant grades will follow, such as the 40 BN cylinder oil. A Category II status automatically gets a Category I status. Category II cylinder oils apply for all engines (e.g. Mark 8 and lower) and are recommended for MAN B&W two-stroke engines Mark 9 and higher.

The main property requirements for Category I and Category II cylinder oils are:

• kinematic viscosity – minimum 18.5 cSt at 100°C, maximum 21.9 cSt at 100°C
• viscosity index (VI) – minimum 95
• high detergency
• alkalinity or base number (BN)