Clean oil is a must

A zero-error culture is essential at Maersk Supply Service, as vessels and crews operate worldwide, often far from immediate assistance. Highly advanced crane vessels, for example, must position loads of up to 300 tonnes precisely on the seabed at depths of more than 1,500 metres. This requires both reliable technology and expert crews.

“Clean oil is crucial,” says Jakob Eg Pedersen, Head of Technical Support at Maersk Supply Service. “Oil itself can last indefinitely, but microscopic wear particles can cause critical components to fail, resulting in costly repairs and lost income. To minimise this risk, we have installed CJC® Oil Filters on most oil systems across our fleet.”

Depending on vessel type, between 15 and 50 CJC® Oil Filters are installed on each ship.

Maersk Supply Service initially began testing hydraulic oil together with the Danish Technological Institute to address oxidation issues. These tests showed that CJC® Oil Filters significantly improved oil condition. “CJC® was among the first to continuously remove water without frequent filter changes, which is essential for reliable operation. Without control of this process, unplanned docking can become necessary,” Pedersen explains.

The collaboration also led to the development of an early warning system for hydraulic equipment. This enables proactive maintenance and intervention before issues escalate.

According to Pedersen, the investment in oil filtration, monitoring and development clearly pays off. “It optimises performance, reduces the risk of breakdowns and lowers maintenance costs. Oil is an excellent indicator of system health and a powerful tool for condition monitoring. Clean oil improves reliability, reduces downtime and delivers environmental benefits by lowering oil consumption.”