Shell Launches New Trunk Piston Oils to Support Performance for Vessel Efficiency, Environmental Reg Compliance

Marcus Schaerer of Shell Marine says Shell Argina and Shell Gadinia oils feature "excellent BN retention and viscosity control." Image: Shell Marine

Shell Marine today announced the unveiling of its next generation Shell Argina and Shell Gadinia trunk piston oils for the medium-speed engine market, which the company says supports shipowners in meeting in challenges of enhancing vessel efficiency and complying with environmental regulations.

"With shipping investment opportunities scarce and competition intense, owners face pressures to shift towards cleaner fuels that address emissions regulations," explained Shell Marine of the impetus for the new products' development.

"Shell thinks that demand for distillates and low-sulfur heavy fuel oil will only increase as shipping approaches a global fuel sulphur content cap of 0.5 percent, imposed by IMO from 2020. Already, dual-fuel engines are taking an increasing share of the medium speed market."

Shell Marine notes that newer generation engines are often designed for lower fuel consumption and operating costs through the use of higher brake mean effective pressure and higher operating temperatures.

"These characteristics pose a challenge for trunk piston engine oils, increasing the risk of rapid BN depletion and increased viscosity," said Marcus Schaerer, Shell Marine Global Marketing Manager.

"The new Shell Argina and Shell Gadinia oils feature excellent BN retention and viscosity control to address the faster oxidation that leads to deposit formation or lubricant contamination, without resorting to unnecessary oil sweetening."

Shell Gadinia S3, which has been developed to control oil consumption in modern engines burning distillate fuels, comes in addition to existing standard and anti-lacquer Gadinia variants.

With a "comprehensive" set of non-engine approvals for a wide range of non-engine shipboard applications, Shell Gadinia S3 is said to provide a single long-term lubricant solution for smaller vessels working in the most severe operating conditions.

Meanwhile, the Shell Argina range includes four grades, including the BN20 Shell Argina S2 for residual, blended, and distillate fuels, the "mainstream: Shell Argina S3 (BN30), and Shell Argina S4 (BN40), as well as the Shell Argina S5 (BN55), which is said to provide extended oil life and extra protection from deposits.

"Compared with a high-performing industry reference oil, the new Shell Argina S5 shows a 12.6 percent improvement in BN retention and a 15-20% improvement in piston undercrown deposit thickness, for example," said Schaerer.

"For operators, this can translate into lower operating costs via longer oil life, less sweetening and reduced maintenance."