ABB Approves Terresolve’s EnviroLogic 3000 Series of Hydraulic Fluids (USA)

Terresolve, an industry leader in producing environmentally safe lubricants and functional fluids, announced that the company’s EnviroLogic 3000 series of high performance, readily biodegradable hydraulic fluids has won approval from ABB Marine Propulsion Group (Helsinki Finland) for use in its Azipod X-series shaft seal system.

Terresolve’s EnviroLogic 3000 hydraulic fluids are extremely durable, readily biodegradable, non-toxic and are a direct replacement for their petroleum analogues. In the event of a leak or spill, the fluids do not leave behind an oil slick or cause any long term negative environmental effects. The EnviroLogic 3000 hydraulic fluids break down into natural parts within 28 days in accordance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) ultimate biodegradation test, making them safe to use in environmentally sensitive applications.

“The ABB approval is a testament to our commitment to providing quality fluids,” says Terresolve CEO Mark Miller. “We are constantly striving to provide our customers with environmentally safe fluids that do not sacrifice performance, and we’re thrilled that manufacturers in the industry like ABB have taken notice.”

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the newly proposed Vessel General Permit (VGP), a regulation that will require the use of environmentally acceptable fluids (EAF) in all oil to water interfaces when the current VPG expires in December 2013. This proposed act would require all propulsion equipment like ABB Azipods, thrusters and stern tube to use EAFs.

“The VGP raises the bar for biodegradable fluids,” Miller explains. “Fluid performance is critical in all vessels, and any technical failure can be catastrophic. As such, it is very comforting that companies like ABB, Rolls Royce and Thrustmaster approve our fluids and view environmental safety as a top priority when considering which fluids to use in their various systems.”

ABB is a global provider of power products, power systems and automation technologies that help improve the performance of utilities and industries while lowering negative environmental impacts. ABB Azipod propulsion systems are suitable for all vessels in the offshore industry, including cruise and drill ships. The systems improve performance in ice operations, and they have reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Approval of the EnviroLogic 3000 series of fluids, which is comprised of five hydraulic fluids with distinct viscosity grades, demonstrates that performance does not have to be sacrificed for environmental protection. Terresolve’s fluids help the maritime industry prepare for pending legislation, improve performance and protect the environment.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 17, 2012; Image: abb