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Heavy-duty gearbox oils designed for tough conditions
Shell : 29 May 2026
Operators of critical infrastructure face a constant challenge: keeping heavy-duty equipment running reliably in harsh conditions. Frequent...
Power and water utility companies rely on lubricants to keep hydraulic equipment moving, but challenges can arise from accidental contamination, especially around waterways or sensitive environmental zones. Lubricants need to be reliable, keeping equipment in top condition to maximise lifespan and maintenance intervals, and minimise breakdowns and downtime that could have a knock-on effect on essential services.
But a leak or spill can require remediation and may attract regulatory attention, increasing operational and reputational risk.HEES synthetic‑ester lubricants such as those in the Shell PANOLIN range are readily biodegradable per 301B standard from the Organisation for Economic Co-operations and Development (OECD) and meet EU Ecolabel criteria for hydraulic fluids, helping to reduce environmental persistence and aquatic toxicity in the event of accidental loss.
Advantages of Shell PANOLIN for the utilities sector.
Shell PANOLIN is designed for demanding hydraulic applications, formulated for thermal/oxidative stability in demanding hydraulic duty cycles (HEES class per ISO 15380). PANOLIN can support utility companies in:
Leak risk management.
Biodegradable lubricants can reduce persistence in water/soil compared to mineral oil, which may reduce environmental impact of accidental leaks, reducing the likelihood of expensive clean-up requirements and regulatory concerns.
Shell PANOLIN hydraulic grades are readily biodegradable. Over 60% of the product is consumed within 28 days – meeting the 301B standard from the (OECD). In addition, the EAL designated formulations are assessed for low aquatic toxicity and low bioaccumulation potential. This is based on confirmed test results from independent laboratories, which operate to internationally recognised quality standards (for example ISO 17025).
Regulatory compliance.
Utility operations are often subject to strict environmental and safety requirements. As well as meeting OECD 301B requirements, PANOLIN meets ISO15380:2023 requirements (environmentally acceptable hydraulic fluids). Selected Shell PANOLIN hydraulic grades are EU Ecolabel licenced, which shows products have been certified as demonstrating reduced environmental impact during their entire life cycle.
Performance and longevity.
PANOLIN are formulated for long service life, strong oxidation resistance and high-level wear protection. This can support fewer oil changes, reduced downtime and longer equipment operating life.
Cost efficiency over time.
Although biodegradable lubricants may involve a higher upfront cost, longer service intervals and reduced maintenance demands can contribute to lower total operating expenses over time.
Versatility.
PANOLIN lubricants are well suited to a range of applications, including hydraulic systems, gearboxes and other essential components used across power generation and water treatment infrastructure.
Silvana Farrugia, Product Support Engineer at Viva Energy, says biodegradable lubricants have made significant improvements from the days when they were often made from vegetable oils, which limited their usefulness.
“Modern synthetic esters make for a far superior lubricant for equipment performance.”
Vesta Verwimp, NSW Account Manager at Viva Energy, adds that using biodegradable lubricants such as PANOLIN can help support Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets related to spill risk and toxicity.
“This is important for showing that your business is serious about its responsibility to the environment,” he says.
Available at Blackwoods - Your utilities solutions partner.
As Australia’s leading supplier of industrial solutions, Blackwoods has everything you need to keep your operations running smoothly. If you’d like to find out more, contact your local Blackwoods Account Manager, who can work with the specialists at Viva Energy to recommend the optimum Shell PANOLIN products to keep your operations moving.
