Marine Cranes and Williams Shipping have joined forces to explore eco-friendly alternatives for vessel operations. As the maritime industry faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, one key solution under discussion is the transition from conventional petroleum-based hydraulic oils to bio-oil in marine cranes.
However, uncertainty around the use of bio-oil remains. Marine Cranes and Williams Shipping are on a mission to clarify questions of compatibility, performance and longevity, debunking myths and encouraging others in the industry to make the more sustainable choice. The partnership will draw on both companies' experience to share their combined knowledge with the industry and customers.
Ben Pym, Managing Director at Marine Cranes says, ‘We’re asked by customers about the use of bio-oil and it is clear there is still some uncertainty around compatibility, performance and longevity. Knowing that Williams Shipping is an advocate and first mover in the use of bio-oils we have spoken to them at length about their experiences’.
Dan Freeman, Head of Business Development at Williams Shipping adds, ‘We’ve been using bio-oil across all our vessels for over six years now. Consequently, we have real experience in how it compares to traditional oil, backed up with data from our testing regime that really helps to illuminate the discussion. By partnering with Marine Cranes we hope it will encourage others in the industry to consider making the switch to more sustainable products.’
Ben continues, ‘Whilst formal OEM approvals for deck equipment are still growing, partly because there is no strict regulatory requirement yet, most major brands now publish seal compatibility data. So, whilst it’s always wise to check the crane’s specification sheet, there’s little need to be concerned that bio-oils will damage the equipment on your crane, if matched with a high-quality bio-oil.’
In addition, modern bio-oils are engineered for stability and compatibility. With additives such as anti-wear agents, antioxidants, and anti-hydrolysis compounds, modern bio-oils now offer a superior performance to mineral oils without compromising sustainability.
Dan adds, ‘In our experience, bio-oil actually delivers a better performance, when compared with standard synthetic products and with good maintenance and regular testing longevity is actually greater.’
There is also a clear regulatory shift underway in the UK and globally to be considered. The UK Environment Agency now treats oil discharges with increasing seriousness, and even small pollution incidents can result in serious fines.
Many UK ports have begun encouraging the use of biodegradable hydraulic oils, to reach their net-zero goals. The UK is also party to the OSPAR Convention, which promotes the use of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs). There are now a number of marine bio-oils that meets the OSPAR standards and are considered an EAL.
Oil spills involving mineral oils can be both environmentally damaging and financially costly due to complex cleanup procedures and potential regulatory fines. In contrast, bio-oils break down more readily, which makes spill response simpler, quicker, and significantly cheaper. Since many bio-oils are VGP or OSPAR compliant, their use also reduces the risk of fines.
Ben further comments, ‘With all this considered, while the upfront cost of bio-oils may be higher, the long-term savings on disposal and spill management means they start to look much more attractive from a financial point of view. It is therefore worth looking at the disposal and historical costs incurred due to spills before ruling out bio-oil on costs grounds.’
With a few simple checks, switching crane hydraulics to bio-oil is now a real option, without the risk of seal degradation, provided water contamination is minimised through good oil hygiene. And it may bring more than just green credentials and a clearer conscience; offering better performance, and lower risk. With tighter regulations, rising disposal costs, Marine Cranes believes the case for bio-oils is stronger than ever and now offers its customers bio-oil for use in their new cranes and can review the suitability for bio-oil in existing models on request.
