Shell Gadinia S3 30
Shell Gadinia S3 30 is a high-quality multifunctional marine diesel engine lubricant developed for medium-speed trunk piston engines operating on distillate fuels containing up to 1% sulphur, including biofuels. The lubricant has been engineered to perform reliably in demanding marine propulsion and auxiliary engines, where operating conditions such as high loads and severe duty cycles require stable lubrication and strong engine protection.
A key advantage of Shell Gadinia S3 30 is its extended oil life capability. The formulation provides excellent resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation, enabling the oil to maintain stable lubrication performance even in engines operating under severe conditions. This stability allows the lubricant to deliver longer service intervals and dependable protection in highly stressed engines, helping operators maintain efficient engine operation over extended periods.
Shell Gadinia S3 30 also provides strong engine protection through effective deposit control. The oil helps reduce deposit formation in critical areas such as piston ring belts and cylinder liners, reducing the risk of ring sticking and potential mechanical damage. By maintaining cleaner internal engine components, the lubricant helps support longer engine life and reliable performance in demanding marine applications.
The formulation is also designed to minimise the formation of cylinder liner lacquer. In modern engines operating at higher combustion temperatures and pressures, lacquer deposits can form on cylinder liners and interfere with the liner honing pattern. This can result in reduced oil control and increased lubricant consumption. Shell Gadinia S3 30 helps control lacquer formation, maintaining normal oil consumption levels and reducing operating costs.
System efficiency is further supported by the oil’s ability to tolerate engine overload and poor combustion conditions. The lubricant also provides improved tolerance to water contamination and enhanced water separation properties in separators. This allows water to be removed efficiently while protecting highly loaded bearings and critical components from damage.
Shell Gadinia S3 30 is recommended for highly rated medium-speed marine propulsion and auxiliary diesel engines. It is also suitable for a variety of onboard applications including turbochargers, oil-filled stern tubes, variable pitch propellers, gearboxes, clutches and deck machinery requiring SAE 30 viscosity oils. This multifunctional capability allows operators to simplify onboard lubricant inventories and reduce the need for multiple specialised products.
Typical physical characteristics include kinematic viscosity of 104 mm²/s at 40°C and 11.85 mm²/s at 100°C, viscosity index of 103 and density of 890 kg/m³ at 15°C. The lubricant has a flash point of 210°C, pour point of –21°C and a base number of 12 mg KOH/g to support acid neutralisation and engine protection during operation. Load carrying capability is demonstrated by an FZG failure stage of 12.
