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Total Lubmarine has today confirmed that it has received approval from Tokyo-headquartered Kemel Company, a producer of stern tube seals and other marine sealing technology, for its Bioneptan range of lubricants.

Total Lubmarine's Bioneptan range is composed of synthetic biodegradable lubricants designed specifically for vessels' stern tubes. Bioneptan products are classed as environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) and are said to comply with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) regulations for stern tube application.

"Bioneptan products are approved for use with all types of Kemel seals, of all diameters. They are particularly recommended for the lubrication of sliding rolling bearings within stern tubes. Offering outstanding viscosimetric performances, the lubricants perform in a wide range of operating temperatures, including especially low temperatures, and have outstanding anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties," Total Lubmarine said in an emailed statement.

Total Lubmarine's Global Marketing Manager, Serge Dal Farra, commented: "Kemel’s comprehensive approval comes after a year of demanding sea trials using the Bioneptan range on-board almost 200 vessels. Total Lubmarine technicians remained in close contact and co-operated strongly with Kemel throughout the trial period. Product engineer Arnaud Amiot also played a key role throughout the approval process."

Total Lubmarine's EALs are developed through its own in-house R&D division that is said to carry out "rigorous testing at all stages of development".

According to Total Lubmarine, its Diagomar Plus lubricant analysis laboratories conducted 800 tests during the year-long vessel trial period to assess and verify the behaviour of Bioneptan products.