The firm’s presence in 1,000 ports makes it valuable for cruise lines visiting all kinds of ports
By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2018 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Cruise and ferry operations are complex enough without the added headache of managing a reliable supply of marine lubricants onboard. While most cruise ships will typically pick up lubricants at their turnaround ports, there are sometimes occasions when they unexpectedly need a lubricant while they are berthed in a smaller port. However, no cruise or ferry operation can afford to incur a delay because of a lack of lubricants.
This is where Total Lubmarine can add real value. The global lubricant supplier has a presence in 1,000 ports around the world. Each client is assigned a local manager who is able to anticipate customer needs and react at very short notice to unexpected problems.
Working in collaboration with local delivery agents, Total Lubmarine can deliver lubricants by barge or truck to passenger ships across the world at very short notice. The company has 65 blending plants situated in strategic locations, so it can quickly mix formulations of base oil and additives into finished lubricants near to the ports. This means that products delivered by Total’s expert logistics network are fresh when they arrive at customers’ vessels. Now that cruise ships are visiting increasingly exotic destinations, the ability to reduce the possibility of delay at a remote port is an important one.
“It’s all about knowing your customer, working in partnership and providing them with a service which they can trust,” says Serge Dal Farra, Total Lubmarine’s head of marketing. “We not only offer a reliable and wide-ranging logistics network, but we are able to offer a quality range of lubes for the main engine, hydraulic systems and below the waterline.”
Total Lubmarine is able to help the customer to choose the right lubricant. The local Total Lubmarine manager assigned to each account takes the time to gain a full understanding of the customer’s fleet, its itineraries and trading patterns. Engineers can come onboard ships to advise on the best lubricant management practices, while classroom sessions are organised for the onshore team to develop best-practice strategies. Total Lubmarine also offers a range of performance monitoring tools to reduce the possibility of engine damage.
Today the company provides a diverse range of system, stern tube, hydraulic, gear, refrigerating, compressor, heat transfer and turbine oils, as well as greases. Total Lubmarine also plays its part in reducing its customers’ environmental footprint by offering a range of bio-degradable, minimally toxic Environmentally Acceptable Lubes (known as EALs).
“What sets Total Lubmarine apart from the competition is its investment in people and the long-term commitment to the maritime industry,” concludes Dal Farra.
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