www.sea-technology.com April 2015 / st 13
crew can simply dispatch a sample that has been tested on
board to a laboratory for more detailed analysis.
Tirrenia Compagnia Italiana Di Navigazione
One vessel operator that has reported extremely posi-
tive results from using the Shell Rapid Lubricants Analysis
service is the Italian operator Tirrenia Compagnia Italiana
Di Navigazione (Naples, Italy), which operates a feet of 10
roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels in the Mediterranean.
Tirrenia approached SMP in April 2013 for help in im-
proving its operations through lower lubricant consump-
tion, better engine protection and lower maintenance costs.
Tirrenia was particularly looking to manage base number
(BN) depletion and avoid the buildup of soot and deposits,
which can be a direct result of engine oil dropping below a
critical level.
Shell Marine Products recommended trialing Shell Argi-
na X 40 on fve vessels in the Tirrenia feet—Sharden, Nura-
ghes, Athara, Bitia and Amsicora—using the Shell Rapid Lu-
bricant Analysis service to confrm engine condition.
By switching to Shell Argina X 40, and using the labora-
tory-based analysis service to monitor the condition of the
engines, Tirrenia was able to reduce the sweetening ratio by
about 25 percent, while also improving crankcase clean-
liness and maintaining the BN within required limits. The
combination of new oil, technical support service and a
more precise sweetening regime has allowed Tirrenia to re-
port annual savings of about $22,800 per vessel. The moni-
toring and analysis service offers the additional benefts of
lower maintenance costs and a reduced need for replace-
ment parts. n
Dr. Sara Lawrence, global technical manager at Shell
Marine Products, leads the global technical team to
deliver new technology and technical services to
marine customers. Lawrence has held marketing and
technical roles in fuels, bitumen and lubricants within
Shell for the past 18 years.
"With no need for prior calibration,
Shell Rapid Lubricants Onboard Alert
is designed to be easy to use."