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Shell introduces first industry solution to meet SAP-free refuelling deadline

  • Shell and FAUDI Aviation launch Shell Jet Protection, the industry’s first Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP)-free refuelling system
  • The technology used in Shell Jet Protection becomes the first SAP-free system capable of utilising existing filter monitor vessels to be adopted into standards by the Joint Inspection Group
  • Shell Jet Protection will be operational at all Shell-managed locations worldwide by the end of 2020

London, United Kingdom – Shell Aviation, working with filtration experts FAUDI Aviation, has launched Shell Jet Protection, the only Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP)-free refuelling system available to the aviation industry today. The technology is also the first SAP-free system capable of utilising existing filter monitor vessels to be adopted into standards by the Joint Inspection Group, the world-leading organisation for the development of aviation fuel supply standards.1

From 31 December 2020 the industry standard controlling filtration systems containing SAP will be withdrawn, due to concerns about its suitability for use. In rare cases, SAP can leak from water filters into engines during refuelling, causing operational issues. 2 Shell Aviation will convert its entire fleet of refuelling trucks to Shell Jet Protection at all Shell-operated locations worldwide, with the aim of being SAP-free by the end of 2020.

Thomas de Boer, Head of Operations at Shell Aviation, stated: “At a time when aircraft operators are focused on the path to recovery, we are committed to supporting our customers and partners across aviation in preparing for the industry’s transition away from SAP-based water filters. Filtration experts at Shell and FAUDI Aviation have been working together to find alternatives to SAP since 2015, well before the Energy Institute’s mandated change in 2017. It is a real point of pride that we have been able to deliver a solution for the industry well ahead of this year’s deadline.”

Airoplane refuelling
Image taken pre-COVID-19 impact

Shell Jet Protection is specifically designed to protect aircraft and engines from the risk of SAP contamination. It replaces the SAP-based water filter with a separate AFGUARD® Electronic Water Sensor (EWS) and uses it in combination with a Dirt Defence Filter. The AFGUARD® EWS, extensively tested by Shell and qualified to the Energy Institute standard EI15983, continuously monitors the refuelling process and safely turns off the fuel flow to the aircraft, on the rare occasions when water is detected.

As well as safely turning off the fuel flow to the aircraft on the rare occasions when water is detected, Shell Jet Protection can be easily retrofitted into existing vessels and vehicles. In addition, while SAP filters are changed annually, Shell Jet Protection filters have a five-year service life, providing both financial savings in change-out costs and helping to reduce waste through less frequent filter replacements.

Marcus Wildschütz, President of FAUDI Aviation, stated: “With the deadline for moving away from SAP fuelling systems fast approaching, it is important that the aviation industry prepares for this change now. We’re proud to have worked with Shell Aviation on the only SAP-free drop in solution to protect aircraft engines from the very real risk that SAP migration poses to engine operations.”

Notes to Editors:

  1. In August 2020, the  (JIG) issued  which introduces Dirt Defence Filtration (DDF) in conjunction with Electronic Water Sensor (EWS) technology into JIG Standards. Bulletin 130 specifically relates to the FAUDI Aviation DDF and AFGUARD® EWS used in Shell Jet Protection.
  2. In 2017, the  declared that SAP should be phased out of all aviation fuel handling systems, following investigations into eight recorded incidents where SAP had caused aircraft operability issues. This finding was , which will withdraw its standard on SAP by December 31st 2020.
  3. The Energy Institute standard  covers design, functional requirements and laboratory testing protocols for electronic sensors to monitor free water and/or particulate matter in aviation fuel.
  4. For more information, visit: Shell.com/aviation/ShellJetProtection

Enquiries:

Shell Aviation

Nicola Arthur, External Relations Adviser
T: +44 207 934 2561
E: Nicola.Arthur@shell.com

Catherine Miller, External Relations Adviser
T: +44 207 934 3222
E: Catherine.E.Miller@shell.com

FAUDI Aviation
Philipp Somogyi, Marketing Manager
E: p.somogyi@faudi-aviation.com

About Shell aviation

  • With one of the most extensive refuelling networks in the world Shell Aviation supplies fuel, lubricants, and sustainable solutions in over 60 countries, Shell Aviation’s customers range from private pilots to the world’s largest airlines. Its diverse range of world-class fuels, lubricants and services to all aircraft types includes jet fuel and avgas for turbine engine and piston engine aircraft operators respectively, as well as its AeroShell® range of engine oils, fluids and greases
  • At Shell Aviation we trade more jet fuel than almost anyone else in the world. Our world-class supply chain has been built to ensure that wherever we serve our customers, they can count on a secure supply of quality fuel. We pride ourselves on operational efficiency and are constantly looking for new and better ways to give our customers more time flying.
  • Shell Aviation strives to be a leader in the transition to low carbon aviation fuels and pursues a strategy of avoid, reduce and offset to manage carbon emissions for its customers.
  • Further information can be found on Shell Aviation.

About FAUDI

  • Founded in 1938, FAUDI Aviation today is the leading innovative brand in the filtration of civil and military aircraft fuels. Our strong position is built on the commitment to meet and exceed the industry requiremens for aviation fuel cleanliness while maximizing filtration performance throughout the entire supply chain.
  • At FAUDI Aviation, teams of both young and experienced people work on the technological challenges of today and tomorrow. The comprehensive product range is carefully designed to enable our customers to ensure product quality, protect operating assets and minimize hazardous waste.
  • A global network of FAUDI-trained partners and technicians ensures access to fast hands-on support. Practical and online trainings are also available to deliver a seamless experience for our customers.

Further information can be found on  and 

Royal Dutch Shell plc

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects. For further information, visit www.shell.com.

Cautionary note

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this press release “Shell”, “Shell group” and “Royal Dutch Shell” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Royal Dutch Shell plc and subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ‘‘Subsidiaries’’, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this press release refer to entities over which Royal Dutch Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to as “joint ventures” and “joint operations”, respectively. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as “associates”. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”, “ambition’, ‘‘anticipate’’, ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘could’’, ‘‘estimate’’, ‘‘expect’’, ‘‘goals’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘may’’, ‘‘objectives’’, ‘‘outlook’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘probably’’, ‘‘project’’, ‘‘risks’’, “schedule”, ‘‘seek’’, ‘‘should’’, ‘‘target’’, ‘‘will’’ and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell’s 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018 (available at www.shell.com/investor and ). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward looking statements contained in this press release and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, September 1, 2020. Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this press release that United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website .

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