Shell Alexia 140 completes six month shipboard trial

SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 — Shell Marine been working closely with the major OEMs and several shipowners on a comprehensive approach to protecting the latest ultra-efficient two-stroke diesel engines against cold corrosion while still optimizing cylinder oil feed rates, across the entire range of vessel operating conditions.

Now, following its formulation and exhaustive laboratory testing in 2015, the new Shell Alexia 140 cylinder oil has successfully completed over six months of shipboard trials with a Shell Marine customer.

“We are responding rapidly to the changing needs of the industry, helping our customers to cope with their full range of operating conditions,” said Jan Toschka, General Manager of Shell Marine. “This latest development underpins our commitment to the industry and its future. We have our own in house testing capability and extensive field experience, coupled with the monitoring, analysis and advisory services to respond to the market with proven and comprehensive solutions.”

Shell Alexia 140 is an ultra-high BN oil with a BN of 140. It is targeted for use on its own or as part of an onboard lubricant blending or mixing system.

MAN Diesel and Turbo (MDT) told this year’s CIMAC in Helsinki that it had been trialing “ACOM” (Automated Cylinder Oil Mixing), a major pilot scheme to establish best practice in matching lubricant BN to fuel sulfur content whilst minimizing lubricant feed rates. A Shell Marine customer was selected for the first batch of trials.

“Major OEMs now recommend cylinder drain oil analysis as a way for shipowners to optimize feed rates as it allows them to strike the right balance between corrosion protection and minimised oil consumption,” says Mr. Toschka. “Shell Marine is focusing on solutions that are operationally straightforward. These include cylinder oil condition monitoring and drain oil analysis, the software and advisory services that help to interpret and implement OEM requirements, and assisting ship operators to develop crew skills as well as knowledge. In all areas, our objective is to work with the customer to deliver the most reliable solution.”