20 October, 2008. After comprehensive testing, MAN Diesel has given general approval for the use of Vickers Oils bio-oils with its CP propellers. Accordingly, Vickers biodegradable and non-toxic oils are now accepted by MAN Diesel for use within complete oil systems in the VB and VBS propeller range. As such, Vickers bio-oils can be used both for the general gravity lubrication of sterntube bearings, and the lubrication of propeller hubs' moving internal parts.
Jens Ring-Nielsen, Senior Manager for MAN Diesel Propellers, Gears & Aft-Ship Systems, says: "We are very pleased with the test results experienced with Vickers bio-oils. Today, we are the first company able to offer our customers the opportunity of using environmentally friendly, biodegradable oils in their CP-propeller systems”.
The oils, which have undergone extensive testing, have the Vickers trade names HYDROX BIO 68 and HYDROX BIO 100. Additionally, another Vickers bio-oil is presently being tested for use with MAN Diesel's AMG-range of reduction gearboxes, and as hydraulic servo-oil for propeller pitch-setting.
The 'bio-lubricated' VB and VBS propeller range covers the power range from 1,000 to 30,000 kW - and hub series from 480 to 1,940 mm in size. This corresponds with propeller diameters in the range of 1.8 to 8 metres.
caption 1:
Ready to go! From left, Peter J.F. Vickers, Chairman and Managing Director of Vickers Oils, Jens Ring-Nielsen and Kenneth Boesen (Project Manager) of MAN Diesel
Caption 2:
The Vickers HYDROX BIO 68 and HYDROX BIO 100 bio-oils are approved for use with MAN Diesel CP propellers
About Vickers Oils
Vickers Oils manufactures specialised marine lubricants which are available in stock points worldwide. The HYDROX range offers an insurance against water ingress, which can occur in ships' sterntubes, stabilisers and thrusters. In the presence of water the HYDROX products maintain lubrication and continue to protect against corrosion. The HYDROX BIO range of eco friendly sterntube lubricants have enjoyed rapid uptake since their introduction in 2003. More than 600 vessels worldwide now use HYDROX BIO as their sterntube oil. In addition to being Readily Biodegradable the HYDROX BIO grades are also Non-Toxic to marine life throughout the food chain. In 2006 Vickers launched the ECOSURE HSE biodegradable, non-toxic hydraulic fluids. The COSURE HSE fluids have been developed specifically for environmentally-sensitive marine applications and provide outstanding operational-performance and excellent ecological credentials.