Shell Lubricants in the Middle East, Central Asia and Pakistan, has launched the ‘next generation’ motor oil – Shell Helix Ultra with Shell PurePlus Technology – the company’s most advanced motor oil ever, featuring base oil developed from natural gas.

Shell PurePlus Technology base oils are produced at the Pearl Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) plant in Qatar; a partnership between Shell and Qatar Petroleum. This is the world’s largest gas-to-liquids facility, and can produce approximately 1mn tonnes of base oils per year.

A launch event took place where VIP guests and industry leaders were hosted by Amr Adel, regional general manager (Commercial Fuels and Lubricants, Middle East, Central Asia and Pakistan) and Romi Arman, cluster marketing manager.

Adel spoke how Shell was pioneering an entirely new way to produce premium motor oils through a revolutionary gas-to-liquid (GTL) process to design a pure, synthetic base oil, which delivers higher levels of cleansing and protection. 

Adel said, “Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology harnesses the power of gas to produce a next generation motor oil, bringing together over 40 years of research and development in one new motor oil. It is our most advanced motor oil and is designed to meet the needs of today’s engines. With Shell PurePlus technology, Shell Helix Ultra is able to keep engines close to factory clean and we are proud to make it available to customers in the Middle East, Central Asia and Pakistan”.

Shell PurePlus Technology converts natural gas into a crystal-clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil for use in premium, synthetic lubricants. Base oils are the main component of finished motor oils, making up on average 75-90% of the end product. This next generation base oil is then enhanced with Shell’s unique additive ingredients to create the company’s most advanced fully synthetic motor oil ever; Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology.

In hot climates as experienced in Qatar, oil is prone to exceeding its normal operating temperature. As a premium synthetic oil, Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is less prone to thinning at high temperatures, which is good for drivers in the region. The ability of the oil to function well in different climate conditions ensures that the engine is well protected and is constantly being cleansed. 

Arman said, “This is our most advanced motor oil ever. The unique combination of Shell PurePlus Technology with Active Cleansing Technology enables Shell Helix Ultra to deliver even higher levels of cleansing and protection. Shell Helix Ultra is already being used as a factory fill-oil by a number of leading manufacturers and those including Ferrari. This gives drivers confidence in the quality of the motor oil and its ability to provide the best performance.”

The Shell Helix Ultra range also combines Shell PurePlus Technology with Active Cleansing Technology to deliver higher levels of protection against build-up of engine deposits and unsurpassed sludge protection.

The product provides superior wear and corrosion protection, which can help to extend engine life and reduce maintenance costs.

Fuel economy benefits vary with viscosity grade, but certain products within the Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology range can deliver an improvement of up to 3% in fuel economy.

The new Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology range is currently being rolled out across the region.