In this exclusive technical insight, Uwe Krüger, Joint-Managing Director of Germany’s CM Technologies (CMT), explores how Chinese shipowners are leveraging high-level engine diagnostics and fuel monitoring to gain a competitive edge. As global regulations tighten and fuel prices remain volatile, shipping companies everywhere are looking to reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions, and control costs. But in China, the world’s largest trading nation and a shipowning and shipbuilding powerhouse, the solution is a seemingly simple one.
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Prioritizing Data
Rather than relying solely on big-ticket investments like alternative marine fuels or complete engine retrofits, Chinese ship operators are becoming increasingly proficient in measuring, monitoring, and analyzing data to optimize engine performance. They view engine optimization as a more technically proven and financially attractive pathway to meeting IMO decarbonization goals.
Compliance and Commercial Opportunity
We are seeing a growing take-up of engine condition monitoring and fuel testing tools in Asia, largely driven by a mix of compliance pressure and commercial opportunity. Global decarbonization rules, such as EEXI and CII, make it increasingly important for owners to know, and prove, how efficiently their engines are operating, rather than relying on assumptions. Charterers and regulators, especially, are starting to look for hard evidence of environmental performance and fuel efficiency. Monitoring data, backed by expert analysis, provides the proof that ship operators are actively managing emissions.
Suppliers as Technical Partners
At the same time, quality lube oil and bunker suppliers are recognizing that simply selling their wares is not enough. They are adding test kits to their product ranges and providing advisory support to create longer-term, higher-value relationships with their customers. As a result, Chinese fuel and lube suppliers are becoming better equipped to compete with Western companies, moving up the value chain as technical partners.
Market Dynamics in Bunkering Hubs
Recent market reports suggest that this growing emphasis on testing and data is unfolding against a backdrop of intensifying competition among fuel and lubricant suppliers. At times throughout 2024 and early 2025, Chinese bunkering hubs, particularly Zhoushan, offered Very-Low-Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) at rates below Singapore, traditionally the region’s primary reference point.
While these price gaps may not be permanent, they indicate a market in which Chinese suppliers are increasingly able to compete on commercial terms. As supplier options widen, shipowners are less willing to rely on assumptions regarding fuel quality. Regular testing allows operators to verify whether lower-priced bunkers deliver the expected engine efficiency in practice and to quantify the operational impact of fuel variability rather than absorbing it through higher consumption or accelerated wear.
Expansion of Marine Lubricant Diagnostics
A similar, if more gradual, shift is visible in marine lubricants. Chinese suppliers have been expanding their marine footprints and product availability, positioning themselves directly alongside established Western brands. While parity remains limited, there are clear signs that suppliers are increasingly recognizing the need to complement products with diagnostics and condition insight.
Extracting Value from Efficiency
Seen in this light, China’s growing focus on engine and fuel monitoring is not simply a response to regulation or cost pressure. It is data-driven decision-making that allows shipowners to extract value, manage risk, and turn incremental efficiency gains into a sustained operational advantage.
Even small engine efficiency gains from improved combustion can translate into significant savings. By properly balancing the engine, monitoring combustion performance, checking cylinder conditions, and tracking how changes in fuel, lube oil, and engine load affect performance, emissions and operational costs can be substantially reduced.
The Digitalization “Wake-Up Moment”
Monitoring lubricant conditions also helps avoid engine failure and off-hire while extending component life and delaying emergency drydocking. Consequently, through-life running costs are reduced. This means CO₂ and other exhaust emissions can be slashed without radical changes in fuel infrastructure.
However, it must be borne in mind that because every engine is unique, the key is not a single test, but regular testing over time. Because combustion behavior varies by engine design, operating profile, and fuel quality, the greatest value comes from long-term trend analysis rather than isolated measurements. Consistent, fleet-wide comparative testing allows technical teams to detect early signs of wear, plan targeted maintenance rather than reactive repairs, and verify that corrective actions are delivering genuine improvements.
There is a “wake-up moment” occurring where systematic monitoring of engines and fuels is paying off. This helps fleets “digitalize” as test results feed into performance dashboards, fuel-efficiency tracking, and ESG reporting. Importantly, this approach aligns with China’s strengths in data management and digitalization, supporting the move toward smarter, more connected fleets.
Setting Global Benchmarks
We see Asian shipowners setting higher expectations for performance and reliability grounded in data, while lube oil and bunker companies are repositioning themselves as technical partners. In a global industry, this matters. As Chinese companies and service providers adopt and refine monitoring practices, they are helping to set new benchmarks for “quality” that resonate far beyond Asia.
CMT Solutions: Engineering Precision for the Global Fleet
To support the data-driven strategies discussed in this article, CM Technologies provides a comprehensive ecosystem of hardware and digital tools designed for the harsh marine environment. Their solutions empower onboard engineers to make informed, real-time decisions that prevent failure and optimize performance.
Core Product Portfolio:
- Engine Performance Monitoring: The industry-leading PREMET® range (including the PREMET® X and PREMET® Online 24/7) for ultra-accurate combustion analysis and engine balancing.
- On-Site Oil Analysis: Multi-parameter test kits and the Marine Fuel & Lube Oil Test Cabinet for instant measurement of Water-in-Oil, Base Number (BN), Viscosity, and Insolubles.
- Fuel Quality Testing: Specialized tools for detecting Cat Fines, density monitoring, and compatibility testers to manage the risks of variable bunker quality.
- Vibration & Wear Diagnostics: Advanced vibration analyzers and acoustic emission sensors to detect early-stage bearing wear and mechanical faults.
- Cylinder Drain Oil Management: Dedicated iron and corrosive-wear testing to optimize feed rates and protect cylinder liners.
Technical Services & Support:
- Global Laboratory Services: Independent, high-level laboratory analysis for fuel, lubricants, and potable water.
- Installation & Commissioning: Full technical setup and integration of online monitoring systems into vessel dashboards.
- Calibration & Training: Certified calibration services and specialized seminars for crew and technical managers on diesel performance and fluid analysis.
About CM Technologies GmbH – CMT
Founded in 2003, CM Technologies GmbH is one of the world’s leading providers of testing and monitoring technology. CMT is a recognized expert in machine health monitoring, fuel and lubricant analysis, and water testing. The company’s world-renowned PREMET range of Diesel Performance Monitoring technology can be traced back to engine pioneer James Watt.
Source: CM Technologies GmbH