Stena Bulk to start offering low-carbon shipping options

Following up on the successful biofuel trial in April, Swedish tanker shipping company Stena Bulk has decided to introduce low-carbon shipping options for its clients.

During the ten-day trial, MR tanker Stena Immortal conducted a cross-Atlantic voyage 100 per cent waste-based biofuel.

As explained, the recent trial proved the technical and operational feasibility of using biofuels in regular tanker operations.

According to Stena Bulk, biofuel has the potential of putting shipping on the trajectory towards IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction targets, without having to wait for new technology and zero-carbon fuels to emerge as commercially viable options.  

Therefore, the company will be introducing a set of low-carbon shipping options for its customers. Specifically, the options will range from 20 per cent to 100 per cent biofuels and will be based on an offsetting program where the biofuel is used within the Stena Bulk fleet. This allows customers to make use of low-carbon shipping options regardless of fuel availability on the specific route. It also guarantees that operation is performed without any disturbance to the shipment, Stena Bulk said.

“Performing according to our customers’ expectations is our highest priority, and this setup allows us to continue to do that while also offering a service,” Erik Hånell, President and CEO for Stena Bulk, commented.

“It will be one way to take actions in meeting future requirements. This type of fuel is one step in many combined sustainable solutions that needs to be considered and can be used today.”

Offering low-carbon shipping options is initially an ambitious initiative, but is said to be reflective of Stena Bulk’s ambition to reduce the environmental footprint of tanker operations through innovation. New fuels and new technology like Stena Bulk’s recently presented IMOFlexMAX vessel design will also be important in that the company can test and learn through challenges and thus take further steps in developments for the future. Collaboration within the industry will also be a key element, and the company intends to continue to develop new solutions together with customers, partners and suppliers.

“We need to come together as an industry to find solutions that comply with future legislation,” Hånell further said.

“By working together, sharing experiences, risks and inspiring each other, we are convinced that we will meet the targets and ensure that shipping remains the most efficient and sustainable mode of transportation.”