Marine & Offshore
Hydraulic systems
Hydraulic oil: crucial for continuity
Nothing is standard at sea. The hydraulic systems of deck equipment on dredgers and workboats, offshore wind turbine installation vessels and offshore platforms, and cable-laying vessels operate day and night under heavy loads, in the harshest conditions. Whether it concerns winches, cranes or lifting systems: hydraulics form the beating heart of these installations.
It is precisely in these critical applications that the quality of the hydraulic oil is of decisive importance. High pressures, shock loads, high temperatures, temperature fluctuations, water, salt and contamination place extreme demands on the oil. If lubrication fails, then wear, leakage, or even unexpected failure can result.
As lubrication specialists, we assist our customers in selecting, monitoring and optimising the right hydraulic oil for their specific application. Reliable lubrication is not a minor detail. It is a prerequisite for operational reliability.
Dredgers: reliability under heavy loads
On dredgers, continuity is paramount. Deck equipment, such as hydraulically powered cranes, grippers, pumps and lifting systems, operates under extreme conditions and with heavy loads. Hydraulic cylinders, which constantly extend and retract, are particularly vulnerable to wear, corrosion, contamination and oil loss. If the hydraulics fail, the ship comes to a standstill.
The right lubricant and a well-maintained oil system are therefore essential for asset reliability. Through condition monitoring, oil analyses and personalised technical advice, we ensure that the hydraulic oil remains in top condition and, consequently, so does the operation.
Workboats: crucial hydraulics for deck equipment
Workboats play a key role in offshore installations, for example, in anchor handling and platform positioning. The hydraulically powered deck cranes on board are essential for these operations: they are used to lift and move heavy equipment and anchors. In addition, they must function reliably under all conditions. The hydraulics in both cranes and winches must therefore continue to perform without any problems. Heavy and peak loads, combined with external influences such as water, salt and dirt, pose a significant risk to the quality and performance of the hydraulic oil.
Without proper lubrication, cylinders can leak, slides and valves can jam, and expensive hydraulic pumps and motors can fail, resulting in downtime and safety risks. We not only supply the right oil, but also provide support in the form of monitoring, maintenance and condition monitoring to ensure maximum availability of the ship and crane systems.
Offshore wind turbine installation vessels: no room for error
During the installation of offshore wind turbines, the reliability of hydraulic systems is of vital importance. Grippers (pile handling tools) must hold the monopiles in place with precision and force, while heavy hammer or vibration systems drive the piles into the seabed. Any malfunction in the hydraulics can disrupt the installation process or cause irreversible damage.
The enormous forces, high temperatures and vibrations place extreme demands on the oil. Through our proactive oil analysis (e-Prevent), personalised advice and top-quality hydraulic oils, we help installation vessels to continue to perform with maximum reliability, even under the heaviest loads.
Cable layers: lubrication for precision and continuity
For cable layers, precision is just as important as reliability. Cables are stored on huge reels on board and are laid precisely on the seabed using trenchers and guidance systems. These machines often operate underwater for long periods of time, in an environment full of pressure, salt and temperature fluctuations. Malfunctioning hydraulics, caused by oil contamination or system blockages, for example, can lead to trencher failure, resulting in costly delays.
With our many years of expertise, we ensure that the hydraulic oil performs as it should, so that cable laying runs smoothly.
What must hydraulic oil be able to withstand?
Hydraulic oils on board are exposed to extreme conditions: high pressures, high temperatures, temperature fluctuations, shock loads and constant exposure to moisture and salt. In addition, periods of inactivity alternate with sudden, heavy loads.
That is why hydraulic oil must do more than just transmit forces. It must retain its lubricating properties, respect seals, withstand extremely high pressures, oxidation and contamination, protect against corrosion and have a long service life. Only then can the system remain reliable with minimal wear and tear.
In addition, strict environmental requirements apply to maritime applications. Hydraulic oils must therefore be biodegradable and comply with applicable environmental directives and regulations (EAL).
The correct choice and maintenance of oil form the basis for maximum reliability and operational safety of hydraulic systems at sea.
Understanding condition and performance
The performance of hydraulic systems depends heavily on the condition of the oil. That is why we carry out oil analyses through independent laboratories as part of structured condition monitoring. By regularly analysing samples, we can identify wear, contamination or ageing at an early stage, before it leads to a loss of performance or downtime.
Our specialists translate the results into concrete maintenance advice tailored to your installation and application. In this way, we support hydraulic systems in maintaining optimum reliability, efficiency and safety, even under the most demanding conditions.
In-depth look at lubrication technology
Proper maintenance of hydraulic systems starts with knowledge of lubrication, oil performance and failure mechanisms. That is why we offer practical training courses focused on hydraulic applications. They are suitable for technicians, operators and engineers who want to gain a better understanding of system performance and reliability.
We are also proud to be a partner of Noria, a globally recognised expert in lubrication technology. Together, we offer training courses that combine theory, practice and strategy with the aim of reducing downtime, extending the service life of both the lubricant and the equipment, improving performance and ensuring professional maintenance.
Passion for Smarter Lubrication
With our many years of experience in marine and offshore hydraulics, proven technical expertise and a strong passion for the profession, we understand exactly what hydraulic systems need under extreme conditions. Combined with our high-quality range of certified biodegradable hydraulic oils from Shell PANOLIN and BIOMAX, we offer reliable, sustainable and practical solutions for every application on board.
It is precisely in these critical applications that the quality of the hydraulic oil is of decisive importance. High pressures, shock loads, temperature fluctuations, water, salt and contamination place extreme demands on the oil. If lubrication fails, then wear, leakage, or even unexpected failure can result.
As lubrication specialists, we assist our customers in selecting, monitoring and optimising the right hydraulic oil for their specific application. Reliable lubrication is not a minor detail. It is a prerequisite for operational reliability.
Would you like to know more?
Curious about what we can do for your organisation in the field of lubrication technology? Please feel free to contact us at +31 (0)294 494 494 (NL) or +32 (0)53 76 76 00 (BE) or send an email. We are happy to contribute ideas and assist you further.