Senior representatives from some of Shell JOSLOC's most important industrial clients in the Middle East visited recently the Shell Technology Centre in Hamburg, Germany – courtesy of the company's Saudi operating division, Shell Saudi Arabia (JOSLOC). The Shell Technology Centre Hamburg (STCHA) is a state-of-the-art laboratory complex for research and testing – with a growing reputation as a global center of expertise in fuels, lubricants, marine power, engine transmission and vehicle testing. Inaugurated in October 2014, the three-story, purpose-built facility also includes a modern workshop with engine dynamometers and a hospitality showroom for visitors. STCHA was conceived as a major expansion and upgrading of Shell's existing German laboratory, which had been in operation since 1956. The new Centre is one of four Shell technology labs around the world, now employing over 300 international staff – all dedicated to achieving technological breakthroughs, such as the Hamburg lab's groundbreaking advances in Gas-To-Liquids (GTL) technology, creating Sulphur-free fuels that hugely improve fuel efficiency. The GTL-base technology is applied to both consumer and industrial products, such as the Shell Helix, Rimula, Argina and Gadinia ranges. The Technology Centre has also established technical partnerships that support the day-to-day advanced fuel and lubricant needs of world-class OEMs in the motor-sports field – specifically with Formula One's Scuderia Ferrari team and MotoGP's Ducati. The 14 strong delegations of key Shell Saudi clients enjoyed a packed itinerary on their Hamburg visit – beginning with a welcome dinner after all guests had checked into the Marriott Hotel. Day Two was the group's visit to the Shell Technology Centre, with an informative and entertaining agenda. The morning session featured an introduction to STCHA, before presentations on: (1) Market trends and product development in the stationary engines field, (2) The benefits of Shell products for large-engine power plants, and (3) The use of Rimula RX4 and R6 in small engines. The afternoon session saw the delegation touring the MPIC followed by a driveline tour, a lab demo and a presentation of the GTL story. The Centre visit concluded with a Question & Answer session, then a wrap-up, after which the delegation moved on to dinner at one of the top Restaurants in the city. The final day was one of leisure for the guests, with Shell team having organized a Hamburg sightseeing tour, and then a harbor cruise during which lunch was served. "It has been a very exciting few days in Hamburg and a great opportunity for us to be able to bring our valued hardworking customers together, from across the Kingdom, for such a unique experience in this beautiful city. Very positive feedback were shared by all of the customers since they were delighted by the organization of the trip and gained a lot of knowledge on new technologies that can help add value to their business. They have been under the guidance of expert instructors and had the opportunity to experience first-hand what it takes to be working with a professional and number one global lubricant supplier," said Firas Wehbe, B2B marketing manager.
