Busan, South Korea – June 2025, In a significant move set to redefine marine lubricant supply chains in Asia and beyond, Shell Marine has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art lubricant tank facility in South Korea — a strategic investment aimed at accelerating delivery times and reinforcing its global maritime presence. The new installation was unveiled in a ceremony led by Shell Marine President Houda Dabboussi, marking a major milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion and customer-centric strategy.
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Strategic Location in a Global Shipping Powerhouse
South Korea’s position as one of the world’s busiest maritime hubs made it a natural choice for this pivotal infrastructure development. Home to some of the largest and most technologically advanced shipyards — including those in Geoje and Ulsan — the country plays a vital role in global shipping, shipbuilding, and energy logistics. Shell’s lubricant oil blending plant in Busan, located less than 70 kilometers from these major shipbuilding centers, ensures that this new facility is not only ideally positioned for speed of delivery but also well-integrated into South Korea’s dynamic maritime ecosystem.
Game-Changing Efficiency for Customers
With the launch of the new lubricant tanks, Shell Marine customers can now expect confirmed order turnarounds within just 48 hours — a remarkable improvement that promises to streamline operations for shipping lines, bunkering service providers, and vessel operators across the region. This leap in responsiveness is particularly critical in a fast-paced industry where turnaround times can make or break operational schedules.
“This investment underscores our unwavering commitment to our global network and the customers we serve,” shared Houda Dabboussi. “By optimizing our infrastructure in key locations like South Korea, we are not only putting our customers first but also reinforcing our promise of excellence, reliability, and speed.”
Supporting South Korea’s Leading Shipbuilding Sector
Shell’s enhanced capability in South Korea is also poised to support the nation’s high-value shipbuilding industry, especially in specialized sectors such as LNG and LPG carriers, where demand for premium marine lubricants is critical. The proximity of the new facility to key yards offers unmatched logistical convenience for supplying both packed and bulk lubricants for new builds — a major advantage for shipowners and yards requiring just-in-time support.
Commitment to Marine Industry Excellence
The move aligns with Shell Marine’s broader vision of investing in world-class infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the maritime sector. As global shipping becomes increasingly complex and environmentally demanding, Shell’s agility in expanding its lubricant distribution footprint ensures that vessel operators have fast, dependable access to high-quality products, wherever they are.
“South Korea is a cornerstone of the global shipping economy,” Dabboussi added. “Our new lubricant tanks there are not just an operational upgrade — they are a strategic signal of our intent to lead in efficiency, service, and maritime innovation.”
Looking Ahead
Shell Marine’s investment in South Korea is part of a broader commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, and long-term partnership with the shipping industry. As shipping companies navigate decarbonization, digitalization, and greater operational pressures, infrastructure like this plays a crucial role in ensuring resilience and readiness across the global fleet.
With this latest expansion, Shell Marine continues to chart a course toward a more responsive, connected, and service-driven future in marine lubricants — all while anchoring itself firmly in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
About Shell Marine
Shell Marine is at the forefront of the maritime energy transition, delivering innovative solutions to meet the sector’s evolving fuel and emissions challenges. From advanced lubricants and alternative fuels to technical services and digital tools, Shell Marine supports customers in driving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across their fleets. With a clear focus on collaboration, Shell Marine is empowering the maritime sector to navigate the shift to cleaner energy sources.
Source Shell Marine