Castrol has introduced a new range of marine lubricants designed for the next generation of four-stroke medium-speed engines running on distillate fuels and alternative energy sources. The Castrol MHP range—comprising MHP 1-30 and MHP 1-40—has been engineered with a lower base number and a bespoke formulation to meet the evolving needs of vessel operators navigating complex fuel and engine technologies.
The new lubricants offer robust protection and engine cleanliness, backed by more than 30,000 hours of in-house testing. Both variants incorporate specially selected detergents that ensure high thermal and oxidation stability and are compatible with fuels such as LNG, distillates, and biofuels.
Field trials conducted with a leading tugboat operator using a B35 biofuel blend demonstrated that Castrol MHP could extend oil drain intervals up to 1,000 hours. Analysis of used oil samples revealed excellent oxidation stability and wear control, with key indicators like base number and viscosity remaining within optimal limits.
Eda Gökay, global marine and energy marketing manager at Castrol, emphasised the critical role of lubricants in maintaining engine health amid the shift to low-carbon and dual-fuel propulsion systems. She noted that the new MHP range is designed to provide peace of mind for operators managing increasingly complex engine setups.
“Shipping’s new engine technologies and alternative fuels are making it more complex to maintain engine health. New formulations of lubricants, therefore, will play an increasingly important role in ensuring long-term engine health to manage this increasing complexity with confidence. Our new MHP product range, which we are launching today, enables owners and operators to navigate this complexity seamlessly while unlocking the benefits of new technologies,” she said.
The roll out of the Castrol MHP began in Singapore from June and will begin in major European ports from August. The lubricants meet API CF specifications and have secured approvals from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Wärtsilä and MAK for use in dual-fuel engines operating on distillate fuel or liquefied natural gas (LNG).
In addition to supporting long-term engine reliability, the new formulation enhances Castrol’s global product coverage and supply chain flexibility, further strengthening its marine diesel engine lubricant portfolio.
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