Industries / Maritime applications

Water-based substitutes in maritime applications. These are the advantages of smart fluids.

Marine protection meets machine power. Our water-based cooling lubricants and hydraulic fluids from TotalEnergies perform better than conventional oils: they are non-flammable and biodegradable for use at sea, in ports or offshore facilities.

Whether control systems on ships, deck cranes, bow thrusters or pitch systems in offshore wind farms: With the hydraulic fluids from TotalEnergies and our water-based cooling lubricants, we guarantee maximum performance with minimum environmental impact. They prevent oil films on the water, reduce the risk of fires and eliminate the need for costly special disposal. Together with TotalEnergies, we support you in changing systems: with analysis, compatibility testing, conversion and monitoring.

Together with our partner TotalEnergies, our goal and aspiration is to completely replace all oil-based substitutes in a machine with water-based fluids from a uniform base. In this way, we prevent cross-contamination and ensure maximum purity and safety in all application scenarios.

15 minutes

Specific options

Non-binding

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Applications in metalworking and mechanical engineering

Application options in detail

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Cooling lubricants and lubricants

Our cooling lubricant solutions combine lubrication, cooling and protection in one fluid. Without oil, but with full performance.

  • Gearboxes in drive systems
  • Bearing points on ship propellers
  • Rope and chain applications on deck
  • Corrosion protection for salt water exposure
  • Emergency and auxiliary power units

Advantages at a glance

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Protection for the aquatic and marine environment

Our fluids are rapidly biodegradable and reduce the environmental impact of leaks. This allows you to meet the VGP requirements for US waters.

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Increased system safety

Non-flammable fluids minimize the fire load on ships and offshore platforms. This also reduces insurance risks.

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Technically powerful

Pressure-resistant, temperature-resistant and shear-resistant: our products work reliably even under continuous stress on the high seas.

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Simple conversion

From needs analysis to sample delivery and initial filling: we accompany you through every step of the changeover.

Let's find out together how oil-free fluids can make your production more effective and cost-efficient.

In our brief discussion, you describe your current situation – and receive a non-binding initial assessment of how your processes can become oil-free, safe and more efficient.

Book an appointment

Service

Transformation as a service.

Your path to oil-free machines and processes.

Fluid Competence accompanies you reliably with our partner TotalEnergies. We are there for you at every step of the transformation – from the initial analysis to the successful switch to high-performance, water-based substitutes. Our transformation service combines technical expertise with practical support – so that you can concentrate on the essentials. We remain at your side even after the changeover: with regular laboratory analyses and targeted adjustments, we ensure that your processes remain powerful and efficient.

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Step 1: Case consultation

In our case consultation, you describe your situation to us and receive a non-binding initial assessment of your transformation potential.

15 minutes

Specific options

Non-binding

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Step 2: Requirements analysis

Together we analyze your machines, your processes and the requirements of your industry. The aim is to provide a reliable basis for decision-making.

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Step 3: Transformation concept

After the analysis, we put together a concept for you. Your transformation plan contains time frames, responsibilities and specific measures.

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Step 4: System setup

The system setup is the central technical step in your changeover. We clean, check and fill your systems – structured, documented and accompanied on site.

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Step 5: Connection cost optimization

The use of smart fluids also changes your requirements and specifications. We help you to minimize all follow-up costs – in a structured and fully documented manner.

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Step 6: Process optimization and monitoring

After the changeover, we ensure that your systems continue to run optimally in the long term. With monitoring, laboratory analyses and targeted adjustments, we get the best out of your fluid.

Products

Smart products for smart processes.

We, Fluid Competence, develop water-based cooling lubricants and other technical functional fluids. Each product is individually and reliably adapted to our customers.

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Cooling lubricants and lubricants

Our water-based smart fluids combine cooling, lubrication and rinsing action in one fluid. Without mineral or bio-oil. Developed in the laboratory, tested in practice, ready for use in all machining processes.

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Frost and corrosion protection

Our oil-free protective fluids prevent corrosion and frost damage – ideal for cylinders, machine parts or complete systems.

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Slideway fluid

Our special fluids for slideways and bed ways offer maximum adhesion with minimum wear – completely without mineral base oils. Ideal for CNC systems and machining centers.

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Chainsaw fluid

Our oil-free fluids for chainsaws offer reliable lubrication and high adhesion. Whether in forestry operations or private use, they offer maximum material compatibility and are biodegradable.

Good questions.

Why are mineral oil-free fluids particularly important in maritime applications?

Ships, offshore installations and harbor machinery often operate in ecologically sensitive environments. Leaks, even in small quantities, can heavily contaminate seawater. Our water-based and biodegradable fluids leave no lasting residue and are approved according to international regulations, significantly reducing the risk of fines, environmental regulations and reputational damage.

Smart fluids are used in maritime technology for deck cranes, hatch hydraulics, steering systems, bow thrusters, ballast water systems and anchor winches, among other things. Pitch systems in offshore wind farms or lock systems in harbors are also increasingly using environmentally friendly hydraulic and lubricating fluids. Our products meet the necessary requirements for water compatibility, corrosion protection and pressure resistance.

In addition to their environmental compatibility, our fluids score points for their high performance – comparable to conventional oils. They are flame-retardant, have a wear-reducing effect and are characterized by very good material compatibility. In addition, many of our fluids are easier to dispose of or even recycle, which saves operating costs and simplifies approval procedures.

Strict international regulations apply to maritime applications. In US waters, the “Vessel General Permit” (VGP) stipulates rapidly biodegradable lubricants. Environmental regulations are also becoming increasingly important in the EU – especially for offshore wind farms and in ports. Our fluids comply with the DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 standard. We can provide certificates and data sheets on request.

We support customers from analysis and selection through to conversion. Our experts check all components for compatibility, plan the conversion together with your shipyard or technical crew and accompany the process with training, sample analysis and after-sales support. In this way, we ensure that your fleet is set up smoothly and in compliance with regulations.

Thanks to our own express laboratory, we deliver analysis results in the shortest possible time – within 72 hours. Our team of experts is available to answer your technical questions directly. We understand that your time is precious – that’s why we keep communication channels and response times as short as possible.

For locks, cranes or conveyor systems in ports, smart fluids offer two benefits: lower environmental impact in the event of leaks and reduced risk of fire. Operators also benefit from longer maintenance intervals, stable pressure conditions and lower insurance costs. Many operators also use our fluids to enhance their image and meet sustainability targets.

COMPARISON

Detailed comparison: oil, bio-oil and smart fluids

FeatureOilOrganic oilSmart Fluids
FlammabilityFlammable - high fire riskLow, but not ruled outNon-flammable - water-based eliminates risk
Corrosion protectionAgent - basic protection, reacts with waterMedium to high - tends to hydrolyze in damp conditionsVery high - molecular barrier prevents corrosion
Environmental compatibilityStressful - Difficult to break downBiodegradable, but unstableBiodegradable - residue-free and stable
Health risksToxic vapors possibleLow, but ageing can release unstable compoundsNone - No vapors or residues
Storage stabilityHigh - but sensitive to contaminationLimited - hydrolysis and oxidation possibleVery high - additives ensure long-lasting stability
Flammability
Oil

Flammable - high fire risk

Organic oil

Low, but not ruled out

Smart Fluids

Non-flammable - water-based eliminates risk

Corrosion protection
Oil

Agent - basic protection, reacts with water

Organic oil

Medium to high - tends to hydrolyze in damp conditions

Smart Fluids

Very high - molecular barrier prevents corrosion

Environmental compatibility
Oil

Stressful - Difficult to break down

Organic oil

Biodegradable, but unstable

Smart Fluids

Biodegradable - residue-free and stable

Health risks
Oil

Toxic vapors possible

Organic oil

Low, but ageing can release unstable compounds

Smart Fluids

None - No vapors or residues

Storage stability
Oil

High - but sensitive to contamination

Organic oil

Limited - hydrolysis and oxidation possible

Smart Fluids

Very high - additives ensure long-lasting stability

Let's find out together how oil-free fluids can make your production more effective and cost-efficient.

In our brief discussion, you describe your current situation – and receive a non-binding initial assessment of how your processes can become oil-free, safe and more efficient.

Book an appointment