Global base stock trends from the suppliers' viewpoint
Insight asks several base stock suppliers from around the world their views on the key issues in this rapidly changing marketplace. This feature examines the balance between the different base stock Groups, assesses the supply/demand situation, considers the future of Group I, looks at the impact of GTL on the base stock market and explores future challenges.

Detergents to the rescue!
The basic properties of marine lubricants may not have changed significantly over the past 50 years. However, the selection of the correct additives, which can make up to 10-25% of the formulation, is essential to ensure that engines continue to run reliably. Additive technology development is vital if the lubrication challenges of today, and those of the future, are to be met. This feature looks at how marine additives have been used to solve real-world problems and how innovation is essential to solve tomorrow's challenges.

Lifetime performance - Low temperature pumpability needs be as good on oil change day as it was on day one
The importance of low temperature pumpability for engine oils has been recognised around the globe, resulting in the formation of standards. However, the lubricants industry has remained focussed primarily on the pumpability of fresh lubricants, with very little attention being devoted to the retention of this property throughout their lifetime. As the base stock picture changes, engine size decreases and consumers demand longer oil drain intervals, the industry will need to pay more attention to the potential problem of hardware damage owing to loss of pumpability over time.

Biodiesel - increases complexity in the American fuels market
The third in our series of biofuels features takes a look at the introduction of biodiesel into the North American market. Biodiesel, coming hot on the heels of ultra low sulphur diesel introduction, is increasing complexity and introducing further winter operability concerns.

Diesel fuel quality in the spotlight in Infineum's winter diesel survey
The 2006 edition of the Worldwide Winter Diesel Fuel Quality Survey has recently been published by Infineum. Presenting data from over 300 samples collected in 41 countries this issue also reports on the presence of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in samples collected in Europe. Insight reveals some of the key findings from this new publication.