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This is where technical expertise becomes critical. Solutions such as Shell LubeAnalyst apply OEM-aligned frameworks and fleet benchmarking to contextualise each result, allowing vessel crews to distinguish normal variation from early signs of wear or deposit formation.Shell%u2019s technical specialists oversee this process and ensure the testing parameters align with OEM recommendations. Dedicated advisors also provide lubricant recommendations tailored to each vessel and operating profile.Expert technical support means turning oil analysis into clear, proportionate maintenance decisions. This involves experienced engineers applying their specialist judgement to determine when to act, and just as importantly, when not to.How do integrated technical services support proportionate maintenance decisions?A key challenge for owners is not simply collecting data but bringing it together in a way that supports clear decision-making. Onboard inspections, laboratory analysis and operating data are often reviewed separately. Such a scenario makes it difficult to build a consistent picture of engine condition.Integrated technical services address this by bringing these inputs together into a single, consistent framework. Solutions such as Shell LubeMonitor combine onboard inspection data, laboratory test results and expert advisory to provide a unified view of cylinder condition.This reduces conflicting signals and helps owners prioritise actions more effectively. It also enables more confident decisions around maintenance timing. Operators can extend intervals where appropriate while optimising feed rates and oil consumption without compromising protection.We have seen this in our collaboration with Thenamaris LNG Inc. Through continuous monitoring with Shell LubeMonitor, they gain the information needed to intervene in a timely manner. It has helped them avoid engine cleanliness issues, extend equipment life and reduce maintenance costs.What should Greek shipowners prioritise to ensure maintenance supports long-term competitiveness?To remain competitive, Greek shipowners need to align their maintenance strategy with the long-term value of their vessels. This means moving away from reactive or purely time-based approaches and, instead, investing in the expertise and structured monitoring needed to support more informed decisions.Such a move requires a more integrated approach. Product performance, diagnostic insight and technical advisory need to work together within a single framework, rather than being managed in isolation. That integration allows vessel crews to build a consistent understanding of engine condition and adapt effectively as operating conditions evolve.Technical expertise plays a central role in this process, particularly as engines operate across a wider range of fuels. It is this expertise that allows owners to select and apply the right lubrication strategy for each engine and operating profile.High-performance cylinder oils such as Shell Alexia 40 XC form part of that approach. Designed for compatibility across different fuel types, they provide a more stable cleanliness baseline. This helps to reduce operational complexity while supporting consistent engine performance.With the right expert support, these products can deliver measurable results. For example, at Kiran Holding A.S. in Turkey, switching to Shell Alexia 40 XC eliminated lubricant switching, improved cleanliness by 30%u201340% and reduced maintenance time by 10 hours per vessel per month.In an increasingly complex, dual-fuel operating environment, technical expertise is what allows owners to make more informed decisions, maintain long-term performance and reshape the cost equation for Greek shipping.May 2026 313