Seven Stars – Marina & Shipyard presents Micfil’s ultra thin filters
Designed for yachting, this filtration system for oils and fuels can trap contaminants down to 0.5 microns in size. The advantages are reflected not only in performance but also in engine reliability and cost savings, thanks to reduced consumption and less frequent oil changes
At the latest Monaco Yacht Show, the German company Micfil introduced its new filtration system for oils and fuels aimed at the yachting sector. The manufacturer, alongside its representative Alexander Proch, showcased the product at the booth of the Tuscan shipyard Seven Stars – Marina & Shipyard, which will serve as the installer and distributor for Italy. The core of the product is a filtration system capable of capturing contaminants as small as 0.5 microns. This capability has positive implications not only for performance but also for economic, environmental benefits and the longevity of engines and hydraulic systems.
According to Micfil’s calculations, the filter system, applicable to various engine room systems, allows for an oil change savings of approximately 80-90% and a 3-5% reduction in fuel consumption. Additionally, the filters can eliminate up to 98% of bacterial growth in fuel in a single pass, while carbon particles in exhaust emissions are reduced by 30-40%. The system is suitable for various types of oils, including engine oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil, and compressor oil.
The filter housings are made of seawater-resistant aluminum (RINA certified) or V4A stainless steel (certified by Bureau Veritas). The housings are modular and available for filter inserts of 90 mm, 150 mm, 300 mm, 600 mm, 900 mm, and up to 1200 mm. The filter features a special tear-resistant mesh made of intertwined cellulose fibers, enabling filtration performance down to 0.5 μm even at high flow rates and removing bacteria (diesel and gas oil). The Micfil system operates on all equipment using oils and fuels.
Regarding the system and the distribution agreement, SUPER YACHT 24 interviewed Davide Mugnaini, sole director of Seven Stars – Marina & Shipyard.
Mr. Mugnaini, why are you focusing so much on this product?
“At the moment, there is significant attention on pollution and the savings of oils and fuels in the recreational boating sector. We know that the annual construction of yachts is important, and the Italian market has experienced strong growth. However, if we look at used boats, there are many more than new ones, and therefore our shipyard, whose business is refitting, must also think about making them as environmentally friendly as possible while limiting management costs. The agreement between Seven Stars – Marina & Shipyard and MicFil goes in this direction”.
What are the strengths of the system?
“For a recreational yacht, there are several advantages, starting with a substantial reduction in costs associated with oil changes, as the engine oil is constantly filtered and cleaned. If there are no other issues with the engines, the oil change can be delayed while monitoring its quality through periodic analyses. In terms of fuel, all impurities are eliminated, leading to reductions in both consumption and emissions”.
Have you already tested the system?
“Yes, of course, and it’s all true. We’ve been working on this agreement for a year, testing the filters on our company’s fleet of tugboats, Service Marine. You know the classic image of black smoke coming from engines and generators? That problem will no longer exist. Our vessels, which have older engines, have stopped producing black smoke. That’s why we believe strongly in this product”.
What about cost reduction?
“Given the quality of the product and its efficiency, the costs are truly reduced compared to the numerous benefits it offers. You start saving right from the first season by avoiding an oil change and reducing consumption by between 5 and 8 percent. But there’s more: those who install these filters will receive a green sticker that can be attached to the boat’s logbook, certifying the reduction of harmful emissions and the consumption of both fuel and oil”.
What are the next developments in your business plan?
“For this season, we have about 1,300 meters of yachts lined up—I’m referring to meters because the number of boats isn’t what matters. We aim to achieve at least 50 percent installation of these filters, but we will strive to exceed that”.
Do you plan to sell the system to third parties and other shipyards?
“Certainly, and we are very willing to do so”.
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