Castrol Marine goes Green- UAE 

(MENAFN Press) Dubai, UAE: Castrol Marine has launched the world's first comprehensive range of biodegradable oil for marine applications - a major and ground breaking initiative towards making the shipping industry more environmentally friendly and protecting the world's oceans.

It is estimated that over 30 million gallons of oil is leaked from ships during normal operations in ports and harbours every year - more than three times the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Machinery failure and human error are the major contributing factors.

"This illustrates how important it is to guard against even the smallest spillages," said David Gilmour, Sales Director, Marine Lubricants. "The management and control of marine pollution is steadily assuming a higher priority for ship operators as governments and official bodies focus increasingly on environmental infringements and threaten personnel with criminal prosecution. However, the industry should not simply react to authorities' requirements but take a proactive approach to avoid damaging the marine environment during operations. Green business is actually good business. "

Environmental pressures are coming not just from legislation, but also increasingly from shipping customers who want all links in their supply chain to demonstrate their green credentials.

"The reality is that oil leakage can occur even on well maintained ships." said Anil Jayaraj, Marketing Director, Marine & Energy Lubricants, while addressing the Marine press and customers. "Our new range of environmentally friendly hydraulic, stern tube, gear oils and greases focuses on equipment where there is risk of accidental spillage or leakage, to minimise environmental damage. Technically these products are also far superior in performance. This builds on Castrol's position as a technology as well as market leader in the marine lubricants business. "

The launch has already attracted major interest from press and customers alike. "These lubricants are 100 times less toxic and 100% more biodegradable than conventional mineral oils while not compromising on performance" said David Gunaseelan, Product Manager Castrol Marine, while speaking about the products at the event. "30 to 80 % of the product is made from renewable sources. They also meet all relevant OEM and technical specifications and hence deliver enhanced performance. "

The products would be priced at a significant premium to traditional marine lubricants, partially because synthetic oils are more expensive. Castrol believes the products' high performance and green credentials would give its customers great value. Frédéric Baudry, CEO Marine & Energy Lubricants spoke about Greendeck saying, "There are normally very few opportunities in business where you find total alignment between your own value-set, customer interest, and financial prospects. This is one such "sweet spot":

The Greendeck product range is not just meeting our aspirations as a responsible operator; it is responding to an authentic customer need. And Castrol alone can meet that need, reinforcing the strength and reputation as the most responsive brand in marine lubricants globally".