Shell Marine launch
17/03/2026
Shell Marine has introduced the Shell Marine Sensor Service (SMSS), an on-board monitoring system that delivers live insights into the condition of oil and equipment.
The new service acts as a ‘digital deckhand’, continuously monitoring oil condition to help crews to proactively manage and maintain equipment across a vessel to prevent unplanned downtime. This helps to avoid equipment failure while unlocking the opportunity to optimise oil top-ups and extend oil drain intervals in high-speed engines.
According to the latest safety and shipping review from Allianz Commercial, in 2024 machinery damage or failure accounted for approximately 56% of all reported shipping incidents and casualties. Continuous condition monitoring systems can help address this issue by providing crews with real-time data on equipment performance.
The system consists of two components: an in-line sensor and a display unit with a traffic-light interface. It operates independently of internet connectivity, providing continuous readings and on-board alerts in response to conditions such as water ingress or oil degradation.
Collected sensor data can also be transmitted to shore-based technical teams for further analysis and long-term trend assessment.
Furthermore, the system complements traditional sample-based oil analysis by providing continuous data between sampling intervals. It is compatible with various engine types and supports condition-based maintenance practices.
Marcus Schaerer, General Manager of Technical and Services at Shell Marine, said: “While the sensor may be a simple two-component device, the beauty of this solution lies in the advice that our technical experts provide. With over a century of maritime experience and our vast database of lubricant test results, we can provide customers with invaluable insights for safer and more efficient voyages.”
