Stolt Tankers reduces annual CO2 emissions by 6%

Photo: Stolt Tankers

Latest figures show that Stolt Tankers has reduced its fuel consumption by 6 percent compared to 2020. The related reduction in CO2 emissions is equivalent to removing 18,000 cars from the roads for a year.

As nearly 200 countries agreed to the Glasgow Climate Pact in November, it remains clear that environmental concerns are increasingly pressing for governments and businesses alike. To support the shipping industry’s drive to reduce its carbon footprint, Stolt Tankers published in 2020 its ambition to reduce its own carbon intensity by 50 percent by 2030 (relative to 2008) and to become a fully carbon-neutral business by 2050.

These ambitions are not only driven by a desire to operate more sustainably, according to the company; but they are also a business imperative in the face of new legislation, such as the introduction of shipping into the European Union Emissions Trading System. Starting from 2023, shipowners will be charged for each metric ton of in-scope CO2 emitted. This presents a considerable challenge for the shipping industry where costs are already at an all-time high, margins are thin and supply chains increasingly volatile.

“Stolt Tankers has a long history of doing the right thing when it comes to protecting people and the planet,” said Lucas Vos, president of Stolt Tankers. “We support requirements for businesses to reduce carbon emissions. We are working hard to meet our new carbon-reduction goals and I am pleased to see that we are making good progress towards these ambitions. However, the impact of further regulation including the EU carbon tax will be felt all the way through the supply chain as costs must inevitably be passed on to our customers and, ultimately, the end consumer.”

Stolt Tankers achieved savings in bunker consumption by improving operational and technical efficiencies and fleet optimization. Speed and trim were optimized according to weather conditions and enhanced maintenance programs—including additional hull and propeller cleaning—also reduced fuel use. In addition, several ships were installed with advanced power-saving propeller fins. The bunker savings directly correlate with a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Stolt Tankers is also partnering with other leaders to explore new technologies focused on decarbonizing, emissions reduction, and alternative fuels. The company is a member of the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping and is seconding staff to the center to collaborate on decarbonization projects.

Stolt Tankers operates a fleet of more than 150 parcel tankers, providing global transportation services for bulk-liquid chemicals, edible oils, acids and clean petroleum products. Its fleet is integrated with Stolt Tankers’ deep-sea fleets in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean; with coastal fleets in Asia; and with inland-barging services in Europe and the U.S. Gulf.