Course Overview

Intro to Marine Lubricants

Facts & Figures
- Size of the marine lube oils market
- Percentage of global lubricants demand attributed to the marine sector
- Volume distribution by region
- Growth trends in the marine lube oils industry
Key Players and Industry Interactions
- Overview of major players in the marine lube oils industry
- Interactions between key players, including additive companies and lube oil companies
- Introduction to distribution pathways of marine lube oils
- Overview of end users: shipping companies, ship managers, and purchasing pools
Key Components
- Explanation of base oil groups and their significance in marine applications
- Analysis of base oil choice for marine lubricants
- Role and importance of additives in marine lube oils
- Types of additives commonly used in marine applications
- Functions of additives in enhancing lubricant performance and protection
Product Types and Grades
- Overview of different types of marine lube oil products
- Explanation of main grades, including cylinder lubricating oils (CLO), system oils (MESO), and trunk piston engine oils (TPEO)
- Introduction to minor grades, such as gear oils, hydraulic oils, synthetic oils, and greases

2. Current Market & Product Development

Introduction
- Importance of understanding the current product development route in the marine lube oils industry
- Overview of the challenges and considerations in product development
OEM Specifications and Influence
- Role of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in setting specifications for marine lube oils
- Understanding the impact of OEM specifications on product development
Additive Companies and Technological Development
- The role of additive companies in developing technologies to meet OEM specifications
- Exploration of the challenges and innovations in additive development
- Oil Companies' Involvement
- Understanding the involvement of oil companies in the product development pathway
- How oil companies purchase add-packs and make adjustments to meet specifications
Market Entry and End Users
- Exploring the process of bringing the developed product to market for sale to end users
- Understanding the dynamics and considerations of the end user market
- How end users select products and suppliers
Challenges in Innovation
- Analysis of the challenges faced in product innovation within the marine lube oils industry
- The need for approval from OEMs and its impact on innovation
OEM Drivers vs. End-User Drivers
- Comparison of the drivers and priorities of OEMs and end users in the marine industry
- Understanding the different perspectives on reliability and operating cost
Impact on Market Accessibility
- Discussion on the difficulties faced by innovative solutions that fall outside traditional specifications
- Exploration of the barriers to market entry for new suppliers or new products
Comparison with Other Industries
- Analyzing the history of oil development in the shipping industry compared to other industries
- Identification of similarities and differences in the product development pathways

3. Influencing Factors on the Marine Lube Oils Industry

Introduction
- Importance of understanding the influencing factors on the marine lube oils industry
- Overview of the key drivers that shape new oil development and pricing
Regulatory Factors
- Impact of regulations on fuel and additives in the marine industry
- Impact of VGP on lubricant development and selection
- Discussion on the use of TPP-free additives and their regulatory implications
- Contribution of lube oil to vessel emissions
Fuel Type Changes
- Exploration of industry targets and voluntary moves towards future low carbon fuels in the marine sector
- Understanding the impact of fuel type changes on lube oil development and requirements
New Engine Designs
- Analysis of the influence of new engine designs on lube oil formulations
- Examination of how advancements in engine technology impact lubricant performance and mandate new technology
Factors Affecting Lube Oil Pricing
- Introduction to the factors that drive lube oil pricing in the industry
- Link between base oil index and lube oil pricing
Historical Examples of Global Impacts
- Exploration of historical events that had a significant impact on the global lube oil industry, and how we can prepare for future impacts
- Analysis of the effects of events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas freeze and Hurricane Katrina

4. Future Fuels Outlook

Introduction
- Overview of the targets and goals set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and shipping companies
- Predictions for future uptake of fuel/propulsion types
Fuel Choices, Pros, Cons, and Outlook
- Analysis of different fuel choices (methanol, biofuels, LNG, ammonia, nuclear, battery, hydrogen, solar/wind) for the marine industry
- Examination of the pros and cons of each fuel type
- Outlook on the availability and industry readiness of each fuel option
Impacts on Lube Oils
- Discussion on how different fuel types and technologies impact lube oil requirements
- Examination of the potential changes in lube oil formulations and specifications
Disruptive TechnologiesNew developments with the potential to change the landscape of the industry
- Blend on board
- Fuel efficient lubricants
- Will BN be around forever?
- Potential changes to key industry players
Short and long term expectations for engine oils
Re-refined base oils / environmental impacts of lube oil

Upcoming Courses

Past Courses