Base Oil Suppliers South Africa

South Africa's #1 Base Oil & Transformer Oil Supplier

 

Synkhem imports and distributes high-quality base oils and transformer oils directly from IPPC refineries worldwide.

Synkhem's Base Oil & Transformer Oil Solutions

We eliminate middlemen, forging direct partnerships with the world's leading refineries.This strategic approach guarantees uncompromising purity, superior quality, and unmatched performance, ensuring that every drop of our base oil meets the highest industry standards.

At Synkhem, we specialize in transformer oil and base oil supply, ensuring stability, performance, and availability for diverse applications. With bulk storage at Bidvest Tanker Facilities in Isando, Johannesburg, we offer immediate supply of Group I, II, III, and IV base oils, outperforming competitors in cost and responsiveness.

Base Oil Purchasing Options

Synkhem provides multiple purchasing options to offer flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings based on customer requirements.

Base Oil Ship on Water

Ship on Water

Customers purchase base oils while they are in transit via shipping containers. Once the containers are on the water, all relevant shipping and transaction documents are sent to the client.

From that point onward, the client assumes responsibility for:

  • Customs clearance
  • Transportation costs
  • Timely return of containers to the designated depot

Best for: Customers who want direct import with full control over logistics and cost management

Base Oil Container at Port

Container at Port

When the purchased base oils arrive at the port, the client takes over responsibility for:

  • Customs clearance
  • Transportation from the port to their location
  • Returning empty containers to the depot
  • Disposing of flexi bags and cardboard liners (in compliance with environmental regulations)

Best for: Businesses with existing logistics capabilities who can efficiently manage port operations and transportation

Base Oil Container to Client

Transporting Containers to the Client

Synkhem offers a value-added service where we handle:

  • Customs clearance
  • Transporting containers directly to client's facility
  • Returning empty containers to depot
  • Disposing of flexi bags and liners responsibly

Best for: Clients who prefer hassle-free logistics with Synkhem managing transportation and compliance

Base Oil Tanker Transport

Base Oils Transported in Tankers

Instead of shipping in flexi bags, base oils can be directly mixed and decanted into tankers at the port or a designated facility.

Key benefits:

  • Eliminates handling of flexi bags
  • More efficient and secure transportation
  • Minimizes waste (no need to dispose of flexi bags and cardboard liners)
  • Reduces risk of contamination

Best for: Large-scale oil buyers who require bulk deliveries in dedicated tankers for more efficient handling

Purchasing Process

1

Refinery produces and pumps the base oils into a train.

2

The train transports the synthetic base oils for decanting into flexi bags, which are then loaded into containers.

3

The containers are transported to the port and loaded onto the ship.

4

The ship arrives at Durban port, where the containers are unloaded.

5

Containers are loaded onto trucks for transportation to the client's designated location.

6

Client receives the base oil and returns empty containers.

Choosing the Right Option

Need full control over logistics?Choose Ship on Water.

Already have transportation from the port?Container at Port works best.

Want a hassle-free solution with delivery?Let Synkhem handle transportation.

Buying in bulk and need efficiency?Opt for Tanker Delivery.

💡Synkhem's purchasing options ensure a streamlined supply chain, cost efficiency, and reliable delivery tailored to your business needs.

Transporting Base Oils – Advantages, Disadvantages & Best Practices

Synkhem offers two primary transportation methods for base oils: Flexi Bags and Tankers. Each option has unique advantages, disadvantages, and best practices for ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and product integrity.

Transporting Base Oils via Flexi Bags

Advantages

  • Cost-EffectiveLower cost compared to dedicated tankers, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • Flexible ShippingCan be transported in standard shipping containers via sea, rail, or road.
  • Efficient for International TransportIdeal for global shipping with easy container handling.
  • Collapsible for Return LogisticsEmpty flexi bags can be folded, reducing return costs.

Disadvantages

  • Limited VolumeTypically holds 10,000–26,000 liters, which may require multiple shipments for large orders.
  • Handling RiskRequires careful handling of equipment during loading/unloading to prevent leaks or damage to equipment.
  • Waste ManagementRequires proper disposal of flexi bags and liners after use.

Best Practices for Flexi Bags

  • Ensure Proper Loading: Flexi bags must be securely positioned in containers to prevent shifting or rupture.
  • Use High-Quality Materials: Bags should be multi-layered, leak-proof, and contamination-resistant.
  • Plan for Disposal: Clients must properly dispose of used flexi bags in compliance with environmental regulations.

Which Option is Best for Your Business?

For cost-effective, flexible transport Choose Flexi Bags.
For bulk, cleaner, and high-efficiency transport Choose Tankers.

Synkhem ensures reliable, safe, and cost-effective base oil transportation, tailored to your operational needs.

Industries We Serve

Synkhem proudly serves a wide range of industries, providing tailored chemical solutions to meet the specific needs of each sector. From automotive to energy, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, mining, and rail & transportation, our products are designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and performance across various applications.

Manufactured under the following conditions

At Synkhem, our base oil and lubricant products are designed to meet the stringent standards set by industry standards and beyond to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and compliance.

Explore our Articles

The 5 Base Oil Groups

Categorized Base Oils

The American Petroleum Institute classifies base stocks into different groups based on their refining processes and properties, including paraffinic and naphthenic oils. Synkhem stocks base oils such as SN 500 and SN 150, which are commonly used in transformer oils.

Understanding the classification of base oils is crucial for selecting the right type for specific applications. Group I oils, for example, are classified based on solvent refining processes. Providing categorized base oils ensures clients receive the best possible products for their transformer oil production needs.

Characteristics

Solvent-refined mineral oils containing higher levels of sulfur, acids and aromatics.

Production

Processed through solvent refining, removing some impurities and additives but retaining more natural hydrocarbons.

Applications

Used in general-purpose lubricants, industrial oils, and some automotive oil applications.

Properties

Moderate viscosity index, fair oxidation stability, and cost-effective.

Common Grades

SN70, SN100, SN150, SN300, SN500.

Impact of Base Oil Quality

The quality of base oils significantly influences the high dielectric strength used of transformer oils and other finished products, impacting their overall performance. High dielectric strength is crucial for preventing electrical breakdown and ensuring the safe operation of high-voltage electrical equipment and components in transformers. By providing high dielectric strength top-quality base oils, Synkhem ensures that transformer oils perform reliably under various conditions.

Using premium base oils enhances the operational efficiency and longevity of transformer oils and other finished products such as lubricants, reducing the risk of overheating and improving oxidation resistance. Synkhem's commitment to quality ensures that clients receive the best possible products for their transformer oil needs.

Enhanced Performance

Using premium base oils enhances the operational efficiency and longevity of transformer oils and other finished products.

Improved Stability

High-quality base oils reduce the risk of overheating and improve oxidation resistance.

Quality Assurance

Synkhem's commitment to quality ensures that clients receive the best possible products for their transformer oil needs.

Looking for a supplier who understands your industry?

If you're looking for a supplier who understands the unique demands of your industry, look no further than Synkhem. We offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the best products and services for your operations. Our commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation sets us apart from the competition, making us the preferred choice for transformer oil and base oil solutions across various sectors.

Request a custom quote today and let us discuss how Synkhem can elevate your operations. With our extensive experience and industry knowledge, we are equipped to provide the best possible solutions for your needs. Trust Synkhem to deliver the quality and reliability you deserve.