Shell in the News

The heavy-duty engine oil landscape is gearing up for a big shift. With the EPA’s 2027 Low NOx emissions rule just around the corner, the industry is preparing for the next generation of diesel engine oils, Proposed Category 12 (PC-12), designed to meet tougher emissions standards and support tomorrow’s more advanced engines.

In a recent Fleet Maintenance interview, Karin Haumann, OEM Technical Manager for Shell Rotella and chair of the API New Category Development Team, breaks down what fleet managers need to know about PC-12. She explains that the new specification, set to roll out in 2027, will replace current CK-4 and FA-4 oils with formulations that boost oxidative and thermal resistance, wear protection, and compatibility with modern aftertreatment systems.

Haumann also offers perspective on the API’s long-term process for developing PC-12, why the industry standardized the specification, and what fleets should consider as they plan for this transition. Whether you’re thinking about maintenance strategies or anticipating future equipment needs, this conversation provides a clear roadmap for what’s ahead.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

• PC-12 is being developed to support new engine technologies required to meet EPA 2027 Low NOx standards
• The new category is expected to replace both CK 4 and FA 4, simplifying oil selection for fleets
• Improved formulations will deliver stronger oxidation control, wear protection, and thermal stability
• PC-12 oils are designed to work with advanced aftertreatment systems to help protect critical components
• Fleets should begin thinking now about future maintenance strategies and equipment compatibility ahead of the 2027 rollout

Read the full story here: What to expect for PC-12 engine oils with Shell's Karin Haumann