As global momentum builds towards decarbonization, the shipping industry in the Indian subcontinent must prepare to align with the increasingly stringent environmental regulations set by international bodies. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the European Union have both outlined aggressive carbon reduction targets including net-zero emissions by 2050.
While maritime shipping is still one of the most carbon-efficient modes of transport (contributing just 3% of global CO₂ emissions), there’s significant pressure and opportunity to go further. Marine lubricants, specifically those made from re-refined base oils (RBOs), offer an impactful and often overlooked solution.
Why South Asia Needs to Pay Attention
India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are home to some of the busiest ports and critical maritime routes in the world. India alone handles over 95% of its trade by volume through maritime transport. With the region’s growing involvement in international shipping and its vulnerability to climate change, the stakes are high.
Adopting greener practices, including re-refined lubricants could not only reduce emissions but also position South asia’s ports and ship operators as leaders in sustainable shipping.
Re-refined Base oils: A Practical, Low-Carbon Option
As explained by Tommi Jarvinen, Commercial Director at Avista Green, a leading Danish re-refiner, marine lubricants derived from re-refined base oils can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 85-90% compared to traditional virgin base oils.
Just consider this: a single ocean-going vessel can use up to 2,000 liters of marine cylinder oil per day. Replacing this with RBO-derived oils can have a direct and measurable impact on a ship’s carbon footprint and shipping companies’ ESG performance.
These oils are produced by recycling waste oils collected from previously-used lubricants – creating a closed-loop circular economy instead of the traditional linear model of “use and dispose.”
Challenges in the South Asian Context
Despite the environmental and economic advantages, perception remains a barrier. In many parts of India and South Asia, re-refined oils are still viewed as “inferior” or “black oils,”. This stigma persists even as global research and practical performance data prove otherwise.
Another challenge is used oil collection infrastructure. According to Avista Green’s Vladimir Dhondt, more than 50% of used oil worldwide is not re-refined, largely due to collection inefficiencies. In India for example, the un-organized nature of the lubricant recycling sector leads to wastage, improper disposal and lost value.
To truly adopt a circular model, companies across the supply chain -from lubricant blenders to shipping companies must collaborate to ensure waste oil is collected, returned, and re-used. The role of government policy and public-private partnerships will be critical here.
Market Trends: Lessons from Europe for South Asia
The global market saw a surge in demand for RBOs when Russian-origin base oils were removed due to sanctions. This led to a sharp spike in virgin oil prices showcasing the strategic value of local, circular oil supply chains. For South Asia, which heavily imports base oils, developing local re-refining capacity could shield the region from such price volatility and geopolitical risk.
Conclusion: The Time is Now
As South Asia continues to grow as a global shipping hub, it must take bold steps to future-proof its maritime sector. Investing in re-refined marine lubricants is not just good for the planet but it makes economic and strategic sense too.
By shifting mindsets, improving collection systems and embracing circular practices, we can drive real progress in maritime sustainability. Let’s champion the circular economy for marine lubricants in South Asia. The oceans and our future depend on it.
Author is the Director of the team organizing Lubricant India Expo & Summit 2026, South Asia’s only specialized exhibition on Lubricants, Additives and base oils. Lean more at www.lubricantindia.com.
