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ExxonMobil has announced the first firing of a new crosshead slow-speed test engine to drive forward its research and development of next-generation cylinder and system oils for the marine industry.

According to the oil major, the bespoke test engine will provide it with a platform to meet the needs of increasingly complex engine designs driven by changing regulation affecting the industry. ExxonMobil points out that engines are now operating under more varied and demanding conditions, placing new challenges on the engine lubrication.

In a statement, ExxonMobil said: "The test engine offers an advanced method for lubricant development, which will help speed up the timeline for bringing new products to market. The formulation of next-generation cylinder oils that are aligned to customers' needs will help them to address tomorrow's challenges and play a key part in improving engine protection and performance."

The test engine's ability to simulate a wide range of new engine design parameters and its rapidly configurable bore-stroke ratio will offer "unique capabilities", ExxonMobil believes.

ExxonMobil's research and engineering teams will also be able to apply scientifically derived operating conditions to replicate demanding field environments to which marine lubricants are exposed. A range of different fuels can be used in the test engine when formulating specific high and low base number (BN) cylinder oils.

"Our test engine is an exciting step forward for the industry," said Steve Walker, global marine equipment builder manager at ExxonMobil. "ExxonMobil's commitment to developing next-generation lubricants will support the marine industry's pursuit of increased performance, protection and efficiency."