Shell has launched the next generation of premium motorcycle oil – Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology, the first-ever synthetic motorcycle oil made from natural gas using Shell’s proprietary gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology, marketed as Shell PurePlus Technology.

“The integration of our gas value chain in Qatar and our global lubricants supply chain means we can now offer motorcycle owners Shell’s latest in motorcycle oil technology. As the motorcycle parc and oil demand is the highest in Asia, we have launched Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology in key markets in this region first, including China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam,” said Shell General Manager Global Marketing for Consumer Lubricants Andrew Hepher. Soon, this product will also be made available in Colombia and Brazil, the company said.

Shell PurePlus Technology produces high-quality API Group III base oils, the main component of engine oils, from natural gas instead of crude oil. They are made at the world’s largest gas-to-liquid facility, Pearl GTL in Qatar. A partnership between Shell and Qatar Petroleum, this plant produces up to 1 million tonnes of GTL base oils per year. From here, the base oils are shipped to Shell global storage hubs in Houston, Texas, Hamburg, Germany, Jebel Ali, UAE and Hong Kong. The GTL base oils are then transported to Shell’s network of 50 lubricant blending plants where premium finished products such as Shell Advance Ultra are manufactured.

Shell is also taking proven expertise from its road application of this new product to the race track. The Honda NSF 250R Moto3 engines in the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup are protected by Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology. Now in its second year, this racing platform helps promote regional racing talent on the international stage.

According to Kline & Co.’s upcoming report on motorcycle oils, the global two-wheeler market, which includes motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, is expected to reach more than 700 million units in terms of overall population by 2021. It is a high-growth industry, increasing at a rate of 8% per annum. Engine oils account for more than 95% of the total motorcycle oil (MCO) market, with the balance consisting of products including fork oils, rear suspension oils, greases, and chain oils.