CM Technologies to Unveil Compact Oil Analyser for Faster Engine Maintenance Decisions

CM Technologies (CMT) plans to introduce a new compact oil analyser that applies a laboratory-established analytical technique to allow ship crews to assess lubricant condition within minutes, rather than waiting for shore-based test results.

The new WBS Analyser will be presented at next month's SMM trade fair in Hamburg, where condition monitoring and machinery efficiency tools are expected to be a major focus as shipowners seek to reduce operating costs and improve maintenance planning. SMM, held biennially, is one of the maritime industry's largest international exhibitions.

Using infrared spectroscopy, the WBS Analyser examines the composition of system oils to assess water (W), base number (BN) and soot (S) content from a single sample. BN measures the lubricant's reserve alkalinity, which neutralises acidic combustion by-products and is critical for preventing corrosive wear in marine engines, while water contamination can signal cooler leaks or condensation problems and soot buildup indicates combustion-related stress on the oil.

The results can help crews better understand and explain the causes of lubricant degradation, including oxidation of the oil, depletion of performance additives, and contamination by substances such as glycol and fuel.

David Fuhlbrügger, Managing Director of CMT, said the next generation test kit will provide engineers with a "faster, reliable and accurate" way to access the information needed for maintenance decisions while vessels remain in service.

"Laboratory analysis remains the benchmark for comprehensive oil investigations and long-term trend analysis," he said. "The objective isn't to replace laboratory testing, but to give engineers reliable information while the vessel is still operating, allowing developing problems to be identified without waiting for laboratory reports."

He said growing pressure to improve machinery efficiency and control maintenance costs was increasing demand for onboard diagnostic tools capable of delivering consistent results across fleets, especially amid ongoing fuel price hikes.

Although infrared technology is already well established, advances in instrument design now allow it to be deployed onboard in a compact format suitable for routine engine-room use. The shift reflects a broader move across the maritime sector toward condition-based maintenance, where repair and intervention decisions are guided by real-time equipment data rather than fixed service intervals.

The analyser's optical system contains no moving parts, which reduces mechanical wear and improves suitability for the vibration, temperature variation and confined conditions typically found onboard ships.

The business case for earlier diagnosis was recently highlighted in Allianz Commercial's Safety and Shipping Review 2026. The insurer identified machinery damage or failure as the leading cause of reported shipping incidents worldwide during 2025, accounting for more than half of all reported casualties. The report also noted that machinery repair costs continue to rise, increasing the importance of detecting developing faults before they become major failures.

"The industry isn't looking for more data," Fuhlbrügger said. "It is looking for information that engineers can act upon. The sooner developing changes in lubricant condition can be identified, the sooner corrective action can be taken."

Visitors to SMM booth 200 in Hall A3 will be able to learn more about the WBS Analyser, along with CMT's range of test kits and diesel performance analysers. SMM will take place at the Hamburg Messe und Congress centre in Hamburg, Germany, from 1 to 4 September.

Source: CMT tweet