ATIEL, the European lubricants industrys technical association, released a new version of its Code of Practice, which provides guidance for developers and marketers of engine lubricants designed to meet European performance specifications. The association said the latest version, Code of Practice Issue 19, incorporates technical updates to bring it into line with the latest engine lubricant specifications released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association in its European Oil Sequences 2012.

The 2012 sequences, which set out the minimum performance levels required of service-fill engine lubricants, became available for first use on 14 December 2012, ATIEL said in a recent news release. They incorporate some new testing requirements that will impact the formulation and development of engine lubricants and the performance claims that can be made for them. The majority of changes relate to gasoline and light-duty diesel engines, but there are also some changes to the heavy-duty categories.

Code of Practice issue 19 can be downloaded from ATIELs web site.

IMO Delays Tougher NOx Limits

The International Maritime Organizations Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has agreed to amendments to the MARPOL Annex VI regulation 13 on nitrogen oxides that will postpone the implementation of Tier III standards of 3.4 grams per kilowatt-hour within emission control areas from 2016 to 2021. The postponement was driven by claims that imposing the standard in 2016 would be costly for ship operators, that the technology still has issues, and that it might increase carbon dioxide emissions.

Despite significant opposition, the decision to delay was passed by a marginal majority although it will be voted on again in the next MPEC, expected in March 2014. European environmental groups protested the decision, and they are lobbying the European Union to adopt NOx limits for cleaner air unilaterally.

Shell Moves Lubes in Ukraine

Shell and Bogdan Auto, one of the biggest car dealers in Ukraine, have signed a lubricant supply contract. Under the deal, Shell Oil Products Ukraine will supply Bogdan Auto more than 300,000 liters of its Helix-branded motor oils during the next three years. Beginning in June 2013, all of Bogdan Autos service stations began using Shell lubricants for their customers routine car maintenance checkups, according to the oil majors recent announcement.

Shells 180,000 metric tons per year lubricants blending plant located in Torzhok, Russia, supplies the Helix passenger car motor oil line. The plant commenced production in October 2012. Bogdan Auto assessed the quality of our products and has initiated signing of a long-term agreement with us, said Cyril Sinyavskiy, the companys light vehicle lube sales manager in Ukraine.

This partnership is a unique possibility for both companies to unite their professional experience and knowledge for business development, said Larisa Yakubovskaya, general manager of Bogdan Auto.

Kiev-based Bogdan operates a network of 30 car dealerships and service stations across the country. It is an official dealer of brands from a variety of countries, such as Japans Subaru, South Koreas Hyundai, Czech Republics Skoda, Chinas Great Wall and Russias Lada. It also sells commercial vehicles made by Hyundai and Ukrainian-made buses by Bogdan.

Health Canada to Harmonize with GHS

Health Canada is seeking comments on a proposal to repeal and replace its Controlled Products Regulations with new hazardous products regulations that conform to the international Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. These new regulations would implement the GHS hazard classification criteria and hazard communication elements – labels and safety data sheets – as per the third revision of the GHS published by the United Nations in 2009 and, to the maximum extent possible, in alignment with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard as amended on March 26, 2012 (HCS 2012), Health Canada stated. Interested parties had until September 15 to submit comments on the proposed regulatory amendments.

Canadas proposed Hazardous Products Regulations would implement changes in five broad areas: the manner of establishing classification of hazardous products; classification of physical hazards; classification of health hazards; hazard communication and other requirements; and exemptions. According to Health Canada, to harmonize with the GHS and HCS 2012, two key elements would differ from Canadas current Controlled Products Regulations requirements. The safety data sheet would be required to provide classification of the hazardous product as well as information about any reaction product generated as a result of prescribed use. In addition, the supplier and product identifiers appearing on the safety data sheet would be required to be the same as on the label.

Sea-Land Names U.K. Manager

Sea-Land Chemical Europe Ltd. has expanded its European Sales team with the addition of Steve Dawson to manage the companys U.K. business and provide pan-European market and technical support. Dawson previously worked for Polartech Ltd., BP Castrol and Esso and has extensive knowledge of the industrial lubricants market.