Technology innovation

Did you know that?

• Our lubricants are designed to ensure that space satellite components can withstand the extremes of outer space while continuing to perform their tasks
• We helped Mercedes-Benz break the world record for the most fuel-efficient 40-tonne truck
• We were the first company to:

1. Develop a grease that can lubricate all 300 grease points of the Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft on the planet
2. Formulate and commercialise a Low-SAPS extended drain heavy-duty diesel engine oil
3. Commercialise GTL base oils
4. Develop an energy efficient hydraulic oil

R&D investment and lubrication experts focused on your challenges

Innovation, for us, is not about white-coated scientists working in the lab to develop new ideas for their own creativity. Innovation, is our scientists and engineers developing solutions to address customer and industry challenges.

Energy efficiency, emissions legislation, the need to minimize downtime and control operating costs are amongst the key challenges faced by our customers and this is where we focus our innovation.
 
We have undertaken lubrication research continuously since 1940. The Shell Group invests nearly $1.3 billion in technology each year, the highest of any international oil company, so we can better anticipate your future challenges. We also have world-class research and development centres situated in North America, Asia and Europe.

Today, more than 200 of our scientists and engineers are dedicated to lubricants research and development, and over 350 lubrication specialist's work in the field directly with our customers. Through millions of miles in field trials carried out every year and world-class scientists working in the field and in the laboratory, we can create products that meet your needs and help you deliver enhanced efficiency and equipment protection.

Our engineers work closely with equipment menufacturers to develop products and lubrication solutions to address customer challenges. 

Example – Shell Rimula R6 LME – Heavy-duty diesel engine oil
Shell Rimula R6 LME is a 5W-30 heavy-duty engine oil, compatible with the latest after treatment devices for trucks, coaches and buses, that offers clear improvements in engine efficiency.  This engine oil was developed in response to customer needs for a low viscosity, fuel efficient oil which also offered optimum levels of protection and facilitated lower vehicle exhaust emissions.

After extensive design and development working closely with leading equipment manufacturers, we identified a novel anti-wear solution to provide protection despite the low viscosity oils employed. This was then refined by testing on an experimental rig that replicates engine demands; and through unique access to Daimler’s next generation engine technology. Shell Rimula R6 LME has been proven to deliver up to 2% fuel economy benefit versus 10W-40 technology.

Innovation to deliver world-class products

As the world’s leading lubricant supplier we’ve been the first to introduce numerous breakthrough technologies to the market. We have a patent portfolio with over 150 patent series for lubricants, oils and greases.