Afton New HD Additive Platforms
Afton Chemical has launched two heavy-duty engine oil additive platforms ahead of the API’s new PC-12 categories, which are scheduled for formal introduction Jan. 1, 2027. The portfolio comprises HiTEC 12330, a fit-for-purpose platform designed for broad OEM coverage, wear protection and oxidation control, and HiTEC 12380, Afton’s premium multi-fuel platform for demanding applications and extended drain intervals. Both support Group II and re-refined base oil formulations, while HiTEC 12380 also targets alternative-fuel applications.
Afton said the platforms have undergone laboratory and field testing in on- and off-highway applications, including long-haul fleets operating beyond standard drain intervals and severe-duty off-road equipment. The company is also developing PC-12 formulations for natural-gas engines and longer drain intervals as fleet requirements evolve. The PC-12 categories will replace API CK-4 and FA-4 and introduce tighter sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur limits, alongside new performance requirements.
Shell Grease Plant in Indonesia
Shell has inaugurated a new grease manufacturing plant in Marunda, Indonesia, strengthening its local production capacity as industrial and transportation demand grows. The investment reflects Shell’s confidence in Indonesia’s growth potential and will improve supply resilience by bringing production and technical expertise closer to customers.
The plant uses advanced manufacturing technology, including a Stratco Contactor reactor, designed to improve production agility and efficiency. It will manufacture Shell Gadus grease products for applications including bearings and gears, with packaging available in drums, pails and fluid bags. Indonesian Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the investment would support manufacturing, mining, transportation and other industrial sectors while strengthening the country’s lubricants manufacturing base. He said the government hopes Indonesia can develop into a regional and global grease manufacturing hub.
Shell said the facility will serve customers in manufacturing, pulp and paper, steel, smelting, power generation, transportation, construction and mining.
Lubrizol Meets API CL-4 and API FB-4
Lubrizol has launched its Lubrizol CV1700 Series, a range of heavy-duty engine oil additive solutions developed for the American Petroleum Institute’s next diesel engine oil specifications, and has begun shipping the products in North America ahead of the first licence date. The additives are designed to meet API CL-4 and API FB-4, the new performance categories for heavy-duty diesel engine oils taking effect in January 2027, along with key heavy-duty original equipment manufacturer specifications. Lubrizol said early availability will give oil marketers time to finalise formulations before licensing begins.
The series meets relevant API category requirements and testing and covers Group II, Group II/III, Group III and polyalphaolefin base oils. Lubrizol said the broad base oil coverage will give blenders greater flexibility in managing supply streams amid volatile base oil markets. The series covers SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, 5W-40, 0W-40, 5W-20 and 5W-30 viscosity grades. Lubrizol said competitive treat rates and broad viscosity coverage can help marketers streamline product portfolios and simplify blending. The CV1700 Series supports API CL-4 formulations designed for backward compatibility and API FB-4 formulations using lower-viscosity oils intended to improve fuel economy in newer engines.