Page 15: of Marine News Magazine (March 2012)

www.marinelink.com MN15sheen could still be created. 2.External to the vessel, above the waterline, captured use lubricants: While the proposed 2013 VGP does not require use of EALs for these applications, there is a risk of accidental discharge into the environment. Consider your organizational values and those of your customers to determine if a lubricant that exceeds regulatory compli- ance should be used. Sheening characteristics are not important because a failure of one of these systems is like- ly to lead to a reportable incident regardless of the sheen created. 3.External to the vessel, below the waterline lubri- cants: Choose an EAL grease or oil and in addition con- sider lubricates that exceed minimal OEM requirements. A failure of one of these systems could lead to at best an unplanned shipyard visit or at worst put the vessel in an unsafe situation. As to the sheening characteristic of thelubricant, a product that sheens may cause a reportable incident but it will also alert the vessel operator to a poten- tially serious problem. 4.Below deck, internal to the vessel lubricants: Anyleakage of lubricants in these applications should be con-tained in the bilge of the vessel where they can be pre- vented from entering the environment. EALs are not nec- essary unless organizational or customer values require them.5.For all applications, but particularly for EAL appli- cations, ensure the lubrication is compatible with system components such as hoses and seals.6.Finally, consider the performance characteristics ofthe lubricant in meeting or exceeding OEM specifica-tions, improving efficiencies, reducing labor, extending the life of the equipment, extending the time between service intervals, improving safety, and reducing the amount of lubricants entering the waste stream. A cor- rectly chosen lubricant can improve the overall operation of the vessel. This suggested framework for assessing lubricant options is based on an understanding of current and pro- posed U.S. regulations. The proposed 2013 VGP will take effect in December of this year, so it is not too early to begin assessing the potential impacts to vessel operations. About the Author Ben Bryant is Marine Market Manager at Klüber Lubrication,Contact Ben at: [email protected] MN#3 (1-17):MN 2011 Layouts 3/2/2012 10:53 AM Page 15