Shell and Wärtsilä extend engine lubricant strategic partnership

Wärtsilä has designated Shell as the strategic partner for Wärtsilä regarding lubricant solutions for all engines starting March 22, 2023, following the signing of a new master lubricants agreement (MLA). 

Following the testing oil partnership agreement signed by the two companies in 2020—which saw Shell become Wärtsilä’s exclusive test oil partner for engines during the research and development (R&D) and factory testing process—under the new MLA, Shell will provide lubricants for several first fills and Wärtsilä Lifecycle Solutions for stationary power applications.

“This recent agreement is the latest in a long line of joint efforts between Shell and Wärtsilä to support their business partners across the power and marine sectors overcome increasingly demanding operating conditions,” said Ade Ajala, vice president, New Business Development and Global Key Accounts. 

“From development through to testing and post-delivery, every step in the process is led in collaboration, helping to ensure that our lubricants keep Wärtsilä’s meticulously engineered engines well protected even in severe operating conditions and, therefore, they are very effective in reducing operating costs and improving overall operational efficiency.”

Many of Shell’s lubricant solutions for large engines are tested in a Wärtsilä engine at the Shell Technology Centre in Hamburg, Germany, and rigorously tested in Wärtsilä installations in the field. In addition to those used during the engine test procedures, Shell also supplies other products that are part of the factory production process, including hydraulic and gear oils. 

The partnership will enable Wärtsilä and Shell to continue to strengthen their engine oil offerings, enabling a wider global supply footprint and product portfolio, dedicated team resources and the co-development of lubrication technologies.

“The fact that our collaboration with Shell dates back to 2007 is testament to the shared values between the two companies,” said Stefan Nysjö, vice president of Power Supply at Wärtsilä. “As the global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets, we prioritise excellence, speed and reliability in all we do, and I know that Shell is no different. This latest agreement will help solidify our longstanding partnership, helping us to maintain our reputation as an organisation that delivers customer-focused and industry-leading products.”