Castrol launches new MHP lubricant range for four-stroke medium speed engines

Castrol has launched its all-new Castrol MHP lubricant range, intended for use in the next generation of four-stroke medium speed engines operating on distillate fuels. 

The new range, consisting of Castrol MHP 1-30 & MHP 1-40, has been reformulated with a lower base number. The new formulation, including specially selected detergents, offers proven oxidation resistance and high detergency performance.

Both formulations are ready and proven for vessels operating on alternative fuels, including LNG, distillate fuel or biofuel. The range has been tested for thermal and oxidation stability and has been shown to provide excellent engine cleanliness.

In field trials with a leading tugboat owner operating its vessels on a B35 biofuel blend, Castrol MHP has been proven to extend oil drain intervals up to 1,000 hours. The used oil analysis results demonstrated excellent oxidation stability, with base number and viscosity levels remaining well within acceptable limits. The new MHP range also has excellent wear protection, with wear metal levels all maintained well within safe parameters.

Eda Gökay, Global Marine and Energy Marketing Manager at Castrol, said: “Shipping’s new engine technologies and alternative fuels are making it more complex to maintain engine health. New formulations of lubricants, therefore, will play an increasingly important role in ensuring long-term engine health to manage this increasing complexity with confidence. Our new MHP product range, which we are launching today, enables owners and operators to navigate this complexity seamlessly while unlocking the benefits of new technologies.”

The new Castrol MHP range will be available from June 2025 in Singapore and key ports in Europe from August 2025. The range has an approved API CF specification, and the lubricants have also secured major OEM approvals such as Wärtsilä and MAK dual-fuel engines when they are operating on distillate fuel or LNG. 

The Castrol MHP range’s new formulation also provides Castrol with the opportunity to expand its product coverage globally. This means Castrol will be able to offer greater supply chain flexibility in collaboration with its customers. The new range is part of Castrol’s updated marine diesel engine cylinder lubricant portfolio, blended using a bespoke formulation developed and tested in-house.