Protect your equipment and the environment
Businesses are under pressure to deliver more, while also protecting the environment they operate in. This means they must adapt to changing standards and regulations – and use fewer resources, without compromising performance. All of this requires the proper maintenance and protection of equipment – an area in which biodegradable lubricants can help.
Lubricants play a vital role in keeping the world moving and vessels operating efficiently. As the world’s need for mobility, distribution and production increases, so does the demand for lubricants. However, there is a need to balance the increasing demand of lubricants with the environmental impact to accelerate positive change.
- Ocean traffic is increasing – The world’s trading fleet surpasses 60,000 vessels.1
- Pressure to decarbonize shipping is growing – The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) targets a 70% carbon intensity reduction by 2050, driven by corporate supply chain decarbonization efforts.
What is an EAL? – Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant
Efforts to reduce environmental impact are increasing:
- The US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Vessel General Permit (VGP) requires biodegradable lubricants for all vessel oil-to-water interfaces in US waters.3
- Europe strongly favours biodegradable lubricants, and Australia recommends their use.4
Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EAL) are defined by the US EPA as fluids that are biodegradable, minimally or non-toxic and non-bioaccumulative.5
Learn more about EALs through the Frequently Asked Questions
Shell biodegradable lubricants can help customers to meet the marine and offshore needs
The Shell biodegradables range contains products from Shell Naturelle and introduces Shell PANOLIN, a range of biodegradable lubricants that brings together decades of experience and experts in biodegradables research and development. The wide range of biodegradable lubricants offered under Shell PANOLIN are helping our customers to safeguard sensitive ecosystems without compromising equipment performance.
All fluids in this range are readily biodegradable and have low aquatic ecotoxicity. In case a specific environmental standard or scheme compliance is required, we offer a range of certified fluids (EALs) including VGP compliancy, EU Ecolabel, OSPAR, CEFAS and USDA Bio-Preferred.
The Shell PANOLIN and Shell Naturelle range of biodegradable lubricants are approved by leading manufacturers for use in applications that have a potential oil-to-sea interface.
Product Range
High-performance 6 biodegradable lubricants and greases help customers to manage their product-related sustainability needs while protecting their equipment and the ecosystem they operate in. The right biodegradable lubricants and ongoing monitoring can help extend equipment life and lower total cost of ownership. For the latest information please check our technical data sheets as well as the Port services guide for port and pack size availability.
Hydraulic Fluids
Shell PANOLIN S2 Hydraulic EAL
An unsaturated synthetic ester-based hydraulic fluid approved for use in major manufacturers’ stabilisers and controllable-pitch propellers and thrusters and holding ISO 15380 (HEES) and DIN 51524 part 2 and 3. EU Ecolabel registered for VGP 2013 compliance. The ISO grades 46 and 48 are fire resistant, denoted with “DU” in the product name.
Shell PANOLIN S4 HLP Synth EAL
A fully saturated synthetic ester-based hydraulic fluid approved for use in major manufacturers’ stabilisers and controllable-pitch propellers and thrusters. EU Ecolabel and VGP 2013 compliant.
Shell PANOLIN S4 HLP Synth
A fully saturated synthetic ester-based hydraulic fluid approved for use in major manufacturers’ stabilisers and controllable-pitch propellers and thrusters. Bosch Rexroth approved for ISO grades 32, 46 and 68, and full range readily biodegradable, OECD 301B >60%.
Shell PANOLIN S4 Hydraulic OS C EAL
A fully saturated synthetic ester-based hydraulic fluid designed for offshore and subsea applications like ROVs. VGP 2013 compliant, OSPAR Yellow (Norway) and CEFAS OCNS Group C (UK/NL).
Gear and Stern Tube Fluids
Shell Naturelle S4 Gear Fluid
A fully saturated ester-based gear fluid for use in thrusters and propulsion drives, and certain stern tube designs. Excellent loadcarrying performance while maintaining biodegradability. All ISO grades are VGP 2013 compliant.
Shell Naturelle S4 Stern Tube Fluid 100
A non-emulsifying fluid made from fully saturated esters. Approved by the major stern tube and seal manufacturers. Designed to offer excellent lubrication.
Greases
Shell PANOLIN S5 Grease EAL V120P 2
An advanced biodegradable extreme-pressure grease for use in plain and roller bearings, and for general vessel lubrication. Approved by major rudder carrier manufacturers. EU Ecolabel and VGP 2013 compliant.
Shell Naturelle S2 Grease A600P 1.5
A high-performance fully biodegradable lubricant for use on wire ropes, cables and open gears offering high resistance to water wash-off while maintaining outstanding adhesion properties. EU Ecolabel and VGP 2013 compliant.
Shell PANOLIN S5 Grease EAL A460 0
An NLGI 0 grease with outstanding load-carrying capacity for use in sliding and rolling element bearings and marine applications where resistance to water washout is required. 3K industry-approved for rudder stocks. EU Ecolabel and VGP 2013 compliant.
Shell PANOLIN S4 Grease U68AP 1.5
A grease designed to be used in the offshore industry. Specifically for heavy-duty, slow-moving components and gears exposed to seawater like jack-up systems. Readily biodegradable, OECD 301B >60% and OSPAR Yellow (Norway), CEFAS OCNS Group E (UK/NL).
