United Kingdom | November 2025 – Earlier this month, Shell Marine introduced the Shell Marine Sensor Service (SMSS), a digital solution designed to provide vessel operators with real-time insights into lubricant condition. The service aims to reduce machinery failures, optimize oil consumption, and improve operational efficiency across global shipping fleets, reflecting Shell’s ongoing commitment to integrating digital technologies into marine operations.
The Shift: From Periodic Sampling to Continuous Monitoring
Traditionally, many ship operators rely on interval-based maintenance schedules and laboratory sampling to monitor oil condition. While effective for periodic checks, these methods provide only a snapshot of equipment health and can miss early signs of wear or degradation.
Houda Dabboussi, President of Shell Marine, shared “One of the biggest challenges our customers face is maintaining operational resilience while managing costs. That’s why we are expanding our technical services with the Shell Marine Sensor Service (SMSS). Unlike traditional interval-based maintenance, SMSS provides real-time insights into oil condition, helping crews act earlier, extend equipment life, and reduce the risk of costly downtime. It’s like a digital deckhand, working around the clock to protect critical systems. This shift from time-based maintenance to condition-based confidence changes the economics of shipping.”
Addressing Machinery Failures at Sea
Machinery failures account for over half of marine casualties, according to Shell’s data. SMSS helps mitigate this risk by providing continuous visibility into oil and engine condition. The system enables proactive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of unplanned failures and operational disruptions.
Key Benefits of SMSS Include:
- Prevents Failures: Real-time alerts and oil condition monitoring enable crews to identify issues before they escalate.
- Optimizes Lubricant Consumption: By tracking oil condition continuously, operators can optimize oil changes and top-ups, with reported reductions of up to 50% in oil consumption for high-speed engines.
- Extends Equipment Life: Proactive monitoring helps preserve engine components and prolong overall machinery lifespan.
- Shore-Based Expertise: Sensor data is paired with Shell LubeAnalyst laboratory results and expert interpretation for actionable insights.
How the Plug-and-Play System Works
SMSS is designed for simplicity and reliability in the harsh marine environment. The system features a two-component plug-and-play setup:
- The Sensor: A compact device fitted directly to oil piping or sumps, continuously measuring oil condition.
- The Display: A pre-programmed monitor that serves as a local hub, featuring its own Wi-Fi hotspot for easy data access.
Activated with “Plug in. Power up. Monitor.”, the system provides immediate readings on oil status, temperature, and event warnings. This real-time visibility empowers crews to “act, not react”, addressing potential problems before they lead to unplanned downtime.
Integration with Shell Technical Expertise
SMSS combines real-time sensor readings with expert analysis:
- Shore-Based Trend Monitoring: Weekly data readouts integrated with Shell LubeAnalyst laboratory results.
- Expert Interpretation: Shell’s technical team identifies anomalies such as oxidation, water ingress, or wear particles and recommends corrective actions.
This integration helps operators optimize maintenance schedules, reduce marine lubricants consumption, prevent downtime, and improve overall operational resilience.ke smarter decisions at sea, ultimately extending equipment life and improving fleet reliability.
Implications for the Shipping Industry
The introduction of SMSS underscores the growing role of digital solutions in maritime operations. With rising regulatory demands, operational complexity, and the high cost of unplanned downtime, tools that provide continuous monitoring and expert guidance are becoming increasingly essential.
By delivering actionable intelligence at sea, SMSS enables operators to make informed maintenance decisions, enhancing reliability, efficiency, and confidence across their fleets.
About Shell Marine
Shell Marine is at the forefront of the maritime energy transition, delivering innovative solutions to meet the sector’s evolving fuel and emissions challenges. From advanced lubricants and alternative fuels to technical services and digital tools, Shell Marine supports customers in driving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across their fleets. With a clear focus on collaboration, Shell Marine is empowering the maritime sector to navigate the shift to cleaner energy sources.
Source Shell Marine