Bio lubricants conquer the market

The market for biodegradable lubricants is continuously evolving and plays a crucial role in national and European objectives to reduce the risks of environmental pollution.

A key player in this innovative market is Van Meeuwen Lubrication, an internationally operating family business that provides essential lubrication solutions across various industries, including the offshore and maritime sectors.

Without lubricants, the world would come to a halt. For Van Meeuwen, high performance, reliability, competitiveness and environmental responsibility are key principles guiding its operations across a diverse range of markets: from food production to (wind) energy, and from offshore industries to railways.

There is a growing trend in the use of high performance biodegradable lubricants. Van Meeuwen Lubrication provides a wide range of these bio-lubricants, including Shell PANOLIN, BIOMAX™ and Green Point. Van Meeuwen is well-equipped to tackle any sustainable lubrication challenge.

BROAD SPECTRUM
It is now widely recognized that certified bio-lubricants (ECLs/EALs) deliver excellent performance, as long as the appropriate oil or grease is selected for the specific application. There are examples of hydraulic oils that can last up to 80,000 hours without replacement in heavily loaded machines and installations.

Taco Mets is Technical Director at Van Meeuwen Lubrication: “An appealing example is the London Eye, the large Ferris wheel that runs continuously for hundreds of thousands of hours with our biodegradable lubricants. Our EAL’s are also used on the Botlek Bridge and on railway tracks in shunting yards at ports.“

Patrick Kostelijk, Sales Engineer Marine & Offshore, adds: “We encounter volumes of five liters, for example for a tractor, and up to fifty thousand liters for a dredging or offshore vessel. A very broad spectrum. Because the quality of our lubricants is very high, we can fill and monitor an asset for life. Today, this oil can easily remain in the system for over ten years, whereas in the past, a period of just 5 years would have been sufficient. We even have practical examples where the lubricant’s lifespan is extended by up to a factor of ten!”

LONGER LIFESPAN
Mets talks passionately about this market. “A lot has changed in this industry and a lot of innovation has gone into developing these biodegradable high quality products. Nowadays it’s not just about replacing conventional lubricants; companies can take ita step further, both economically and environmentally. By investing in the long term, you can benefit from a high-performance lubricant and the improved efficiency of your equipment. Additionally, using premium lubricants can lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.”

WIND ENERGY
Kostelijk: “Increasingly more attention is being paid to our lubricants. We also notice this in international tenders; especially at large wind energy companies that ask for a work vessel with a green passport. They want the energy to be generated in a clean manner, while also ensuring that the risks of lubricant contamination and surface water are prevented.“

“The biodegradable component in the lubricating oil plays a crucial role. Biodegradability can vary significantly, and strict standards are in place to ensure that a product meets the essential requirements. For instance, to qualify for the EAL certification, at least 60 percent of the lubricant must break down within 28 days, and it must be non-toxic and not bioaccumulative.

The origin of the raw materials is also examined; consider, for example, responsibly grown palm oil or soy and cane sugar. The entire production line to packaging and shipping methods is discussed. For example, for the EU Ecolabel certificate, 25 percent of the plastic packaging must be produced from recycled material.“

JACK-UP VESSELS
“We have developed a very high-quality biodegradable grease well-suited for jack-up vessels; the Green Point Jacking Grease,” continues Patrick Kostelijk. “We are also making the suppliers of wind energy, including the small delivery vessels servicing them, fully sustainable. Currently, we operate extensively in the North Sea, German Bight and Baltic Sea. The Germans are already very strict about the environmental regulations.“

Taco Mets: “We aim to make companies aware of  the possibilities of high-quality biodegradable lubricants. The lubricants are available, and we can use them to enhance the quality for our customers, leading to significant long-term benefits. It’s crucial that we move away from mineral-based products. We have been depleting the earth’s resources for far too long. I believe it’s essential to focus on sustainability and collaborate for the benefit of the environment and climate.“

VAN MEEUWEN LUBRICATION
Founded in 1934, Van Meeuwen Lubrication, specializes in custom lubrication solutions that enhance the reliability of assets. This Dutch family-owned business primarily services the Netherlands and Flanders, partnering with asset owners, maintenance companies, and OEMs who aim to elevate their asset reliability through advanced lubrication.

Note: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Offshore-Energy.biz