CALGARY, Alta. — Shell Canada says development of its new heavy-duty engine oil is well underway.

CJ-4 engine oils, designed to work with ultra low-sulfur diesel, contain lower levels of phosphorus, sulfur and ash than today’s API CI-4 Plus oils.

“CJ-4 is the biggest oil specification change to hit this industry in years,” said Les Markiewicz, general manager, commercial sales and marketing, Shell Canada Products. “Approximately 80 per cent of Canadian road transport lubes business is affected by this upcoming change in engine oil.”

Markiewicz said the new oil will provide improved wear protection, oxidation stability and soot control.

“Essentially, the new engines will run hotter, and a hotter engine means that the oil has to perform better,” added Lenore Indarsingh, category manager, lubricants, commercial sales and marketing, Shell Canada Products. “For our customers, their truck is their livelihood and we want to help extend the life of their engines by providing them with highest quality lubricants.”

Shell has field-tested the new oil specification with the 2007 engines, the company said. The oil will be available under the ROTELLA T and Rimula brands by October, 2006.