The use of environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) in all oil-to-sea interfaces of vessels greater than 79 feet in length has been mandated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency since December 2013. While operators of larger vessel have become familiar with what is required from them, there is still a great deal of uncertainty around why these fluids have been mandated, how they perform and what the benefits they deliver. The pending Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) has created even more market confusion, especially among smaller vessel operators who may be less familiar with these fluids and their use.
Understanding EALs
August 17, 2016
