Compressor oils that protect performance, efficiency and vessel uptime
Compressor oil does more than lubricate. Discover how the right lubricant protects vessel efficiency, prevents unplanned downtime, and lowers total operating costs across air, refrigeration and gas compressor systems.
Compressors are essential to daily vessel operations. They supply compressed air for control and safety systems, ensure reliable refrigeration for cargo and provisions, and support gas handling in LNG, LPG and offshore applications.
When compressors fail, the impact is immediate: higher energy costs, operational disruption and unplanned downtime.
What is often underestimated, however, is the role of compressor oil. The right oil is not simply a maintenance necessity but is a key performance driver that directly affects efficiency, reliability and total operating cost.
Why compressor oil matters
Marine compressors operate in demanding conditions. High pressures, fluctuating temperatures and aggressive gas streams place extreme stress on lubrication systems. When oils are not designed for these environments, the result is often:
- Increased energy consumption
- Shorter oil life
- Accelerated wear of critical components
- Higher maintenance costs
- Greater risk of unplanned breakdowns
In gas compressor applications, the challenge becomes even greater. Hydrocarbon and process gases can dissolve into conventional oils under pressure, causing viscosity dilution. As viscosity falls, lubrication films weaken, friction increases, and bearings and seals become more vulnerable to premature damage.
These problems may develop gradually, but once they become visible, they are often costly to correct.
A smarter approach to compressor performance
More operators are moving beyond short-term cost decisions and choosing high-performance speciality compressor oils to support long-term vessel reliability.
Advanced synthetic compressor oils offer several important benefits. They help maintain stable viscosity, resist gas dilution, transfer heat effectively and keep compressor internals clean. By reducing friction and controlling temperatures, they can:
- Lower energy losses
- Extend oil drain intervals
- Increase component life
- Reduce oil consumption
- Minimise maintenance interventions
- Improve operational predictability
Together, these advantages contribute to a lower total cost of ownership.
Through its exclusive partnership with Klüber Lubrication, Wilhelmsen Ships Service offers the Klüber Summit™ range of compressor oils, developed specifically for demanding marine applications.
| Solution | Description and applications | Benefits |
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Klüber Summit™ PGS Series
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Designed for high-pressure gas compressors handling natural gas and hydrocarbon process gases. Its PAG-based formulation resists hydrocarbon gas dilution and maintains viscosity even under severe operating conditions
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Klüber Summit™ PGI Series
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Suited for refrigeration systems and LNG fuel gas or boil-off gas compressors, where cleanliness and oil control are essential. Its fully synthetic, water-insoluble PAG formulation minimises oil carryover and supports extended oil life.
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Klüber Summit™ NGL Series
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For applications involving CO₂-containing or wet gas streams, the NGL Series provides added protection against carbonic acid corrosion.
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Choosing the right compressor oil is only part of the solution. With OEM-approved products, global availability, and Wilhelmsen Ships Service’s worldwide logistics and technical support network, operators gain access to a complete lubrication solution wherever their vessels operate.
The benefits are clear:
- Lower energy consumption
- Reduced maintenance intervention
- Longer equipment life
- Greater operational confidence
When compressors perform better, vessels operate smarter.
Take control of compressor performance
The right compressor oil has a direct impact on energy efficiency, maintenance costs and equipment reliability. With the Klüber Summit™ compressor oil range, Wilhelmsen Ships Service helps vessel operators protect critical assets and reduce total operating costs across their fleet.
Our lubrication specialists can support you with:
- Application-specific product recommendations
- OEM-approved solutions for gas, air and refrigeration compressors
- Global availability backed by WSS’s worldwide supply network
- Expert technical guidance for optimal oil selection and performance
Connect with our Speciality Marine Lubricants experts today to identify the right Klüber Summit™ solution for your compressors and keep your vessels operating at their best.
Marine compressor oils
Specialty lubricants engineered for gas, air, and refrigeration compressors aboard commercial and offshore vessels
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