Marine lubricant company Castrol has launched its all-new Castrol MHP range, intended for use in the next generation of four-stroke medium speed engines operating on low-sulphur distillate fuels, LNG and bio-diesel.
The new range, comprising Castrol MHP 1-30 and MHP 1-40, has been reformulated with a lower base number. The new formulation, including specially selected detergents, is said to offer proven oxidation resistance and high detergency performance. Both formulations are ready and proven for vessels operating on alternative fuels, including LNG, distillate fuel or biofuel. The range has been tested for thermal and oxidation stability and has been shown to provide excellent engine cleanliness.
In field trials with a leading tug owner operating its vessels on a B35 biofuel blend, Castrol MHP has been proven to extend oil drain intervals up to 1,000h. The used oil analysis results demonstrated excellent oxidation stability, with base number and viscosity levels remaining well within acceptable limits. The new MHP range has high wear protection, with wear metal levels all maintained within safe parameters.
Eda Gökay, Castrol Global Marine and Energy Marketing Manager, said: “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.”
The new Castrol MHP range is already available in Singapore and in key ports in Europe from August 2025. The range has an approved API CF specification, and the lubricants have also secured major OEM approvals such as Wärtsilä and MAK dual-fuel engines when they are operating on distillate fuel or LNG.
Castrol says that its new formulation for the MHP range provides the opportunity to expand its product coverage globally. This means Castrol will be able to offer greater supply chain flexibility in collaboration with customers. The new range is part of Castrol’s updated marine diesel engine cylinder lubricant portfolio, blended using a bespoke formulation developed and tested in-house.
