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Polarcus, a leading marine geophysical company, has announced that it is using Castrol Marine’s range of 'environmentally-responsible 'lubricants.

The company has teamed up with Castrol Marine, one of the leading global suppliers of marine lubricants, to further reduce its environmental footprint and protect the world’s oceans. Castrol Marine’s range of environmentally-responsible lubricants are designed for use throughout a vessel where leakage presents a risk.

Based in Dubai, Polarcus is making a significant investment into an ultra-modern seismic fleet of high-end 12 streamer 3D and multipurpose 6 streamer 3D vessels. The vessels boast highly advanced maritime technologies for improved operational efficiency with a reduced environmental footprint.

Polarcus vessels are constructed according to DNV CLEAN-DESIGN notation, controlling and limiting operational emissions and discharges. Castrol’s Bio Range of Lubricants will be used on all Polarcus vessels to significantly reduce emissions in the marine environment.

Polarcus co-founder Peter Zickerman said: “Operations in extremely sensitive areas, such as the Arctic, set the bar for Polarcus’ global fleet. Efficiency is maximised by ensuring all vessels stay ahead of any environmental legislation, avoiding the need to swap vessels for different areas. The Polarcus fleet is calculated to have half the overall exhaust emissions of its nearest competitors, and with the Castrol Bio Range helping to reduce the overall emission risk them even further. The proactive approach is shared by both companies; industry peers look to Polarcus as the best-in-class environmental operator and to Castrol as the first oil major to introduce a comprehensive range of environmentally responsible marine lubricants.”

Mr Zickerman added: “The green agenda is very important to all employees and crew, making Polarcus’ values more than just corporate statements. Ultimately, green business is good business: it increases efficiency and profitability, creates an exciting working environment and meets customer requests for sustainability.”

Pooja Moulik, Castrol Marine account manager said: “Castrol’s role is to deliver outstanding lubricant performance, while helping to protect some of the world’s most sensitive oceans. Castrol has developed a comprehensive range of environmentally responsible stern tube/thrusters, hydraulic and gear lubricants and grease. The products are developed to minimise shipping impact on the environment and keep critical equipment operating at maximum efficiency for longer periods, extending lubricant life and ultimately adding value throughout operations.”

Luigi Tedesco, Castrol Sales Director commented: “Both Polarcus and Castrol demonstrate clear leadership in an industry facing up to mounting environmental pressure. There is not one easy solution to protect the environment; all industry players have a role to play. At Castrol, we are responding to this challenge through product innovation and industry cooperation and we are aspiring to meet the highest standards of sustainability.” In addition to using eco-friendly marine lubricants, Polarcus also uses marine gas oil (MGO) with low sulfur content on all its vessels.