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Shell has launched its new cylinder lubricant, Alexia 140, which is described as being 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.

Following its formulation and laboratory testing in 2015, Shell says the new Alexia 140 lubricant has successfully completed over six months of shipboard trials with one of its customers.

The work carried out to develop and test the new lubricant forms part of Shell's strategy to "protect the most modern ultra-efficient diesel engines against cold corrosion while still optimizing cylinder oil feed rates, across the entire range of vessel operating conditions".

Jan Toschka, General Manager of Shell Marine, commented: "We are responding rapidly to the changing needs of the industry, helping our customers to cope with their full range of operating conditions. 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."

MAN Diesel and Turbo (MDT) told this year's CIMAC in Helsinki that it had been trialing 'ACOM' (Automated Cylinder Oil Mixing), the two-stroke marine engine major's pilot scheme to establish best practice in matching lubricant BN to fuel sulphur content whilst minimising 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 ship owners to optimise feed rates as it allows them to strike the right balance between corrosion protection and minimised oil consumption," added 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."