RSC Bio Solutions has announced that its EnviroLogic® Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), including hydraulic, stern tube and thruster oils, as well as SAFECARE® cleaners and their constituent components, have been evaluated by independent laboratories to meet the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) definitions of biodegradable, minimally toxic and not bioaccumulative. RSC Bio Solutions, therefore, certifies its hydraulic fluids and cleaner products as 2013 VGP Compliant.
The EPA requires that all vessels use an EAL in oil-to-water interfaces unless technically infeasible. The VGP revision also requires any above-water-line hull cleaning or deck washdowns resulting in discharge to be conducted with ‘minimally toxic’ and ‘phosphate-free’ cleaners and detergents, and that all cleaners and detergents be non-caustic and biodegradable. The EPA’s revised VGP permit became effective for all vessels exceeding 79ft on 19 December 2013.
RSC Bio Solutions marine sales executive vice-president Mark Miller said: "RSC Bio Solutions has invested heavily in thorough testing and validation to ensure that those using RSC Bio Solutions’ products can be absolutely certain that they are compliant. With our EnviroLogic and SAFECARE products, there is no need to worry or think twice. RSC Bio Solutions has always been committed to providing the maritime industry with readily biodegradable lubricants and cleaners that deliver exceptional performance while protecting the environment."
EnviroLogic EALs are suitable, proven and approved for a wide range of applications, including controllable pitch propellers, thruster and hydraulic fluids, and other oil-to-sea interfaces, including lubrication discharges from stern tubes, thruster bearings, stabilizers, rudder bearings, azimuth thrusters, propulsion pod lubrication, wire rope and mechanical equipment subject to immersion. SAFECARE applications include deck and equipment wash, general purpose cleaning, degreasing, parts cleaning and oil stain removal.
RSC Bio Solutions technology vice-president Dr Bernie Roell said: "At RSC Bio Solutions, science comes first. We understand the importance of our products to our customers’ business and the environment in which we all live, and we go the extra mile to check and recheck each formulation, test and step in the manufacturing process to ensure the optimum result."
With the recent acquisition of Terresolve Technologies, RSC Bio Solutions has more than 17 years of experience in environmentally safe fluid technologies, specializing in lubricating, cleaning and degreasing solutions. The company serves the cruise ship industry, as well as blue water transit ships and all types of oil services vessels. RSC Bio Solutions boasts a long track record with the offshore drilling industry, which has very similar applications to those of the maritime sector. RSC Bio Solutions has secured approvals from an extensive array of key manufacturers from these industries, including Blohm + Voss, Wartsila, Rolls Royce and ABB.