Thruster Oils and Gear Oils from Vickers Oils
Vickers Oils offers extreme pressure (EP) lubricants for thrusters and enclosed gears, developed for marine and industrial operation under severe conditions. The range covers environmentally acceptable (EAL) thruster oils based on synthetic esters, mineral-based thruster oils that emulsify with water ingress, and synthetic gear oils with a high viscosity index for use over a wide temperature range. Whether you lubricate a thruster in auxiliary or main propulsion or a heavily loaded gearbox, Vickers has an EP gear oil for the job.
Environmentally acceptable thruster oils: BIOGEAR XP
BIOGEAR XP is a range of environmentally acceptable (EAL) EP gear oils based on fully saturated synthetic esters with a high renewable content, designed for thrusters and gears in sensitive environments where oil leakage may occur. The oils deliver superior anti-wear, EP and oxidation protection even under severe conditions and exceed the requirements of DIN 51517 part 3. They meet the ecological definitions and requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) and are the environmentally acceptable alternative to mineral-based thruster oils.
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Viscosity grades: ISO VG 68, 100, 150, 220, 320 and 460
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Applications: thrusters (tunnel thrusters), some CPP designs, deck equipment, enclosed gearboxes, planetary gears and circulation systems
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Benefits: excellent micropitting resistance, superior thermal and oxidative stability, extended oil life with fewer oil changes, good hydrolytic stability, excellent water separation and good elastomer compatibility (NBR, HNBR, FKM, PTFE)
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Broad operating temperatures, from -25 °C to over +100 °C
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Non-emulsifiable: separates free water, water content should not exceed 0.1 %
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Environmental profile: biodegradable (over 60 % in the 28-day OECD 301B test), assessed as non-toxic in the marine environment, VGP EAL per US EPA 2013
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Approvals: DIN 51517-3 (exceeds requirements), ISO 12925-1, ANSI/AGMA 9005-F16
Thruster oils: HYDROX 8 EP and HYDROX EP 150
HYDROX 8 EP and HYDROX EP 150 are extreme pressure (EP) gear lubricants based on mineral oil, designed primarily for the lubrication of thrusters in auxiliary or main propulsion. The oils deliver a very high standard of anti-wear performance for heavily loaded gears with high resistance to micropitting and scuffing, and are suitable where a combined gear and hydraulic function is required. They are emulsifiable and form a stable emulsion with any water that enters the unit, providing continued lubrication and corrosion protection when water ingress occurs. These are mineral-based options for applications where environmental requirements such as the VGP do not govern the choice.
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HYDROX 8 EP: typical viscosity 105 cSt at 40 °C, viscosity index 105
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HYDROX EP 150: typical viscosity 150 cSt at 40 °C, viscosity index 102
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Applications: thrusters in auxiliary or main propulsion, heavily loaded gears, combined gear lubricant and hydraulic systems
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Approvals: verified by Lloyds Register, approved by the major seal manufacturers
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Mineral oil based product, emulsifiable, not an EAL
Gear oils: VICKERLUBE SYNGEAR
VICKERLUBE SYNGEAR is a range of high-performance synthetic EP gear oils designed for all types of enclosed gears, including heavily loaded and shock-loaded gears and bearings. Synthetic base oils provide an inherently high viscosity index and low pour point, making the products suitable for use over a wide temperature range. Available in viscosity grades ISO VG 220, 320, 460 and 680.
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Applications: heavily loaded gearboxes, dragline, shovel, crushers, wheel motors, heavy process gear cases and planetary transmissions
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Benefits: outstanding oxidation stability with longer fluid life, reduced gear wear through lower friction, superb corrosion protection, high resistance to load and shock load
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Synthetic EP gear oil for a wide temperature range, not an EAL
Which oil do you need?
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Need / system |
Recommended product |
Type |
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Environmentally acceptable thruster oil (EAL), VGP |
BIOGEAR XP 68, 100, 150, 220, 320, 460 |
Synthetic ester, EAL |
|
Thruster oil, lower viscosity |
HYDROX 8 EP |
Mineral, emulsifiable |
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Thruster oil, higher viscosity |
HYDROX EP 150 |
Mineral, emulsifiable |
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Synthetic gear oil, ISO VG 220 |
VICKERLUBE SYNGEAR 220 |
Synthetic |
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Synthetic gear oil, ISO VG 320 |
VICKERLUBE SYNGEAR 320 |
Synthetic |
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Synthetic gear oil, ISO VG 460 |
VICKERLUBE SYNGEAR 460 |
Synthetic |
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Synthetic gear oil, ISO VG 680 |
VICKERLUBE SYNGEAR 680 |
Synthetic |
Why choose Vickers Oils thruster and gear oils?
- Both EAL and mineral-based options for thrusters and gears
- Very high standard of anti-wear performance for heavily loaded gears
- High resistance to micropitting and scuffing
- Emulsifiable thruster oils that handle water ingress
- Synthetic gear oils for a wide temperature range
- Long oil life and fewer oil changes
- Proven experience in marine lubrication
Frequently asked questions
What is BIOGEAR XP?
BIOGEAR XP is a range of environmentally acceptable (EAL) EP gear oils from Vickers Oils, based on fully saturated synthetic esters, for thrusters and gears in sensitive environments where oil leakage may occur. The oils meet the VGP, are biodegradable, and are available in viscosity grades ISO VG 68, 100, 150, 220, 320 and 460.
What is the difference between BIOGEAR XP and HYDROX EP?
BIOGEAR XP is an environmentally acceptable (EAL) gear oil based on synthetic esters that meets the VGP, while HYDROX 8 EP and HYDROX EP 150 are mineral-based and are not EALs. BIOGEAR XP separates free water and is non-emulsifiable, whereas HYDROX EP emulsifies with water that enters the unit to protect against corrosion.
When do I need an EAL for thrusters?
In sensitive waters where the VGP or local environmental rules require environmentally acceptable lubricants. BIOGEAR XP meets the VGP, is biodegradable and is assessed as non-toxic in the marine environment.
What is a thruster oil?
A thruster oil lubricates the gears and bearings in a thruster unit and often handles water that may enter. Vickers HYDROX EP oils are emulsifiable and form a stable emulsion that protects against corrosion when water ingress occurs.
What is the difference between HYDROX 8 EP and HYDROX EP 150?
Both are mineral-based EP gear lubricants for thrusters, but with different viscosity. HYDROX 8 EP has a typical viscosity of 105 cSt and HYDROX EP 150 has 150 cSt at 40 °C. The choice follows the thruster manufacturer recommendation.
When should I choose a synthetic gear oil?
When the gear is heavily or shock-loaded and operates over a wide temperature range. VICKERLUBE SYNGEAR offers a high viscosity index, low pour point and outstanding oxidation stability.
Which SYNGEAR viscosity grade do I need?
It follows the gear manufacturer recommendation. VICKERLUBE SYNGEAR is available in ISO VG 220, 320, 460 and 680.
Are HYDROX EP and SYNGEAR EALs?
No. HYDROX 8 EP, HYDROX EP 150 and VICKERLUBE SYNGEAR are not Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) and do not meet the VGP. Choose BIOGEAR XP when an EAL is required.
Can HYDROX EP be used where both gear oil and hydraulics are required?
Yes, HYDROX EP is formulated for applications where a combined gear lubricant and hydraulic function is required.
Contact us for advice
Need help choosing the right thruster oil or gear oil for your equipment? Contact us for technical advice, product data sheets and quotes across the full Vickers Oils EP gear oil range.