After 100 days of VLSFO operation, LUKOIL Marine Lubricants is sharing recent experience on VLSFO operation with NAVIGO MCL Extra(40BN). This draws on learnings over the past few months as well as experience from the transition from HFO to distillate fuels in 2015 with NAVIGO MCL Ultra(20BN).
Using the right cylinder oil, such as NAVIGO MCL Extra with extra detergency, is only the first step to avoid excessive liner wear on VLSFO. Feed rate optimization is equally important for good engine condition, in combination with engine inspections and monitoring the wear metal content of drain oil samples. The feed rate optimization process involves Cylinder Scrapedown Analysis(CSA) at regular intervals, provided by LUKOIL as part of their OPTIMIZE program. The switch to VLSFO or between different VLSFO blends can still be challenging and requires careful attention.