Shell Alexia 40 XC
A low-base number (BN), high-performance cylinder lubricant designed for modern low-speed, two-stroke marine engines using low (< 0.5%) sulphur fuels.
Shell Alexia 40 XC oil is designed to deliver value to you. A low-BN oil with a cleanliness benefit equal to BN100 oils1 - the easy choice for customers seeking to improve engine cleanliness, engine reliability and onboard operational efficiency.
How Shell Alexia 40 XC performs on alternative fuels
Explore the findings in our latest paper: "Field experience with Shell Alexia 40 XC in dual-fuel two-stroke engines combusting alternative fuels", which offers valuable insights, including:
- Proven field performance of Shell Alexia 40 XC across across alternative fuels - including LNG, methanol, and biofuel blends - to support decarbonisation goals.
- How Shell Alexia 40 and Shell Alexia 40 XC enhance cleanliness and wear protection in high-efficiency, high-pressure 2-stroke marine engines.
- Real-world insights from dual-fuel engine operations, showcasing lubricant adaptability and reliability.
- Key findings to help shipowners maintain CII compliance as fleets transition to low-carbon and retrofitted fuel systems.
Your benefits
Cleanliness
> 30% cleaner than Category I BN40 cylinder oils2
Equal cleanliness to Category II BN100 cylinder oils1
Less frequent overhauls helping to lower maintenance cost
Reliability
Acid-neutralising properties to prolong component life
Minimises deposits on pistons and ring grooves
Controls wear of cylinder liners and piston rings
Efficient on-board operations
Time saved No switching between high-BN and low-BN lubricants
Fully miscible and compatible with cylinder lubricants in the Shell portfolio
1Based on results of field trials conducted in collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) in which Shell Alexia 40 XC oil was tested against a Category II BN100 cylinder oil (Vessel Mingzhou); based on testing procedures for Category II cylinder oils by MAN ES, approved Category II cylinder oils have a cleaning ability equal to or better than a classical BN100 cylinder oil.
2Based on results of field trials conducted in collaboration with MAN ES in which Shell Alexia 40 XC oil was tested against a Category I BN40 cylinder oil (Vessel TS Sydney (Songa Toscana)).
A proprietary formulation designed by Shell’s in-house R&D team
Design
Formulation design and testing at the Marine Power and Innovation Centre (Hamburg)
Testing
> 10,000 hours of rigorous testing and extensive field trials
Collaboration
In collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions and customers
Shell Alexia 40 XC oil is
Approved for use in all MAN ES B&W two-stroke engines Mark 9 and above.
Suitable for all MAN ES B&W two-stroke engines, including Mark 8 and lower engines.
Customer Testimonials
Read how Shell Alexia 40 XC has helped our customers
Product data
| Product | BN, mg KOH/g | MAN ES category | SAE grade | Viscosity index | Flash point, °C | Pour point, °C | Density at 15°C, kg/m3 | Fuel | Engine type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Alexia 140 | 140 | II | 60 | > 95 | > 225 | < -6 | 975 | High-sulphur fuel oil + scrubber | All MAN ES, WinGD |
| Shell Alexia 100 | 100 | II | 50 | > 95 | > 210 | < -6 | 949 | High-sulphur fuel oil or 0.5% -sulphur fuel oil (if needed for cleanliness) + scrubber | All MAN ES, WinGD, Japan Engines |
| Shell Alexia 70 | 70 | I | 50 | > 95 | > 210 | < -6 | 932 | 0.5%-sulphur fuel or high -sulphur fuel (up to 2.5%) | MAN ES Mark 8 and below, WinGD, Japan Engine |
| Shell Alexia 40 XC | 40 | II | 50 | > 98 | > 210 | < -9 | 915 | Low-to-zero-sulphur fuels | All MAN ES engines (recommended for Mark 9 and above), WinGD, Wärtsilä and Sulzer two-stroke engines |
| Shell Alexia 40 | 40 | I | 50 | > 95 | > 210 | < -6 | 915 | 0.5%-sulphur fuel; 0.1% -sulphur fuel in emission control areas (ECA) | MAN ES Mark 8 and below, WinGD, Japan Engine |
Frequently asked questions
Is Shell Alexia 40 XC oil miscible with other Shell Alexia products? What is the percentage miscibility?
Is Shell Alexia 40 XC oil miscible with other Shell Alexia products? What is the percentage miscibility?
Yes, Shell Alexia 40 XC oil is fully miscible and compatible with other Shell Alexia grades. If you are changing lubricants due to compliance with different fuel requirements, then please ensure that tanks are at 20% or less before topping up with the new-BN product.
Will Shell Alexia 40 XC oil replace Shell Alexia 40 oil?
Will Shell Alexia 40 XC oil replace Shell Alexia 40 oil?
No, both BN40 products will be maintained in our portfolio. Shell Alexia 40 XC oil is recommended for MAN ES two-stroke engines Mark 9 and above, while Shell Alexia 40 is recommended for engines Mark 8 and below.
What is the difference between switching between, or mixing, a BN100 Category II and a BN40 Category I lubricant, and using Shell Alexia 40 XC oil?
What is the difference between switching between, or mixing, a BN100 Category II and a BN40 Category I lubricant, and using Shell Alexia 40 XC oil?
Operationally, it is simpler to use one grade on board, which also helps to avoid mistakes on product application. This is also the recommendation from MAN ES.
Do I need to adjust my feed rate when switching to Shell Alexia 40 XC oil?
Do I need to adjust my feed rate when switching to Shell Alexia 40 XC oil?
Engine cylinder monitoring solutions such as Shell LubeMonitor can help you understand if your feed rate is optimal based on the engine, fuel and lubricant in use, as well as monitoring lubricant compatibility when you switch.
How do I know if my vessel should switch to Shell Alexia 40 XC oil?
How do I know if my vessel should switch to Shell Alexia 40 XC oil?
It is advisable to follow the latest manufacturer recommendations when selecting a lubricant, and Shell Alexia 40 XC oil could be appropriate if you are facing cleanliness challenges when using a < 0.5% sulphur fuel with a BN40 Category I lubricant.
