Shell Marine wins MAN approval for new cylinder oil

Shell Marine said it has received a full No Objection Letter (NOL) from MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) for Shell Alexia 40 XC, its Category II (CAT II) 40BN cylinder oil.

Alexia 40 XC uses a proprietary formulation developed by Shell Marine’s in-house Research & Development team.

The NOL was received following the conclusion of the Main NOL Service Test and Confirmation Test for Alexia 40XC. The successful approval of this formulation is the result of close collaboration with MAN ES to develop an approved CAT II lubricant for engines operating with <0.5% sulfur fuels (ranging from Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil to liquefied natural gas) and rigorous testing with the latest engine designs (Mark 9 and higher).

Shell Marine’s proprietary formulation for category II 40bn cylinder oil receives full ‘no objection letter’. (Image: Shell Marine)

“With the industry focused on reducing emissions, engine technology is continuously evolving to deliver higher efficiencies when operating with very low to zero sulfur fuels,” said Dr Luis Garcia, Technology Manager for Marine and Engine Lubricants, Shell Marine. “Latest engine designs operate with challenging conditions in terms of pressure and temperature, demanding for higher performing lubrication, particularly in terms of engine cleanliness, making the development of a CAT II 40BN cylinder oil essential.

“This has been a key project for Shell Marine, as we are committed to supporting the industry’s smooth adoption of more efficient engines and cleaner fuels, and having a comprehensive portfolio of cylinder lubricants to meet the needs of both older and newer engines. Upon receiving the service letter[1] issued by MAN ES, we embarked on developing an in-house solution that would provide a similar level of cleanliness and performance as 100 BN products. We are delighted to have received the NOL from MAN ES for Alexia 40XC.”

The new product is expected to be progressively made available at major ports worldwide beginning the third quarter of 2022.