Stena Bulk
Stena Bulk
Summary of 2024
Stena Bulk is one of the world’s leading tanker shipping companies transporting oil, refined products and chemicals. The company currently owns, charters or operates a total of 62 vessels in global service. Safety of personnel, cargo and the environment are fundamental to its operations. www.stenabulk.com
Stena Bulk consolidates its position as one of the world’s leading players in the tanker industry and plays a key role in the global transport of crude oil, refined products and chemicals.
With a fleet of 62 vessels – owned, leased or managed – the company ensures efficient and safe shipping around the world. Safety, sustainability and operational excellence are at the heart of the business.
The tanker market is known for its cyclical nature with strong fluctuations in rates and vessel prices. In 2024, the market remained strong, with high freight rates, stable time charter rates and rising vessel values. This enabled Stena Bulk to achieve a strong result, creating scope for investments in vessels, technology and strategic partnerships. An example of this is the contracting of four modern tankers for delivery between 2025 and 2026, which will be chartered from a Japanese owner under long-term agreements.
The global tanker market is strongly affected by geopolitical factors, changing trade patterns and an increasingly complex regulatory environment – not least due to greater demands to reduce carbon emissions. In light of this, Stena Bulk continues to develop innovations in energy efficiency and sustainable fuels.
As part of its strategy to streamline operations and adapt to market developments, Stena Bulk carried out a review of the company’s fleet. The number of vessels was reduced from 69 to 62 by the end of the year with a view to maximising returns and reducing exposure in a volatile market.
Investments in sustainable shipping and strategic partnerships
Through close partnerships with leading industry players, Stena Bulk secures attractive business and access to cargo. The company’s joint venture partner, Proman Stena Bulk, took delivery of its sixth methanol-powered tanker, the Stena Prosperous, during the year, consolidating the company’s position in sustainable fuels. Methanol technology makes it possible to radically reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fuels and is an important part of Stena Bulk’s long-term strategy.
At the same time, the company consolidated its fleet through a new partnership with an investment player linked to the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes a number of vessels in the IMOIIMAX segment. Stena Bulk also expanded its involvement in the Stena Sonangol Suezmax Pool. Two new Suezmax vessels joined the Pool during the year.
AI as a driver of efficiency and sustainability
In 2024, Stena Bulk stepped up its investment in AI-driven solutions that support its core business. Using advanced algorithms and machine learning, the company can anticipate market trends better, optimise logistics and commercial operations, and improve vessel maintenance. These initiatives enable the analysis of large volumes of data in real time to make faster and more informed decisions in a changing market.
Together with Stena Teknik, Stena Bulk also developed AI-based systems to optimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions. Through smart route planning and automated decision-making systems, fuel consumption can be reduced and operational efficiency improved. In addition, an AI-driven administrative platform has been developed to simplify and streamline decision-making within the organisation, further strengthening the company’s competitiveness.
Over the past three years, Stena Bulk has navigated a dynamic market, characterised by strong growth and opportunities. Based on the information the company has today, the years ahead may entail a more challenging market picture. This potentially opens up strategic initiatives and opportunities to further consolidate the company’s position by acting proactively and adapting to the changing landscape.
An ongoing focus on operational excellence, strategic partnerships and innovative technology solutions, where AI and sustainability go hand in hand, puts Stena Bulk in a good position to continue leading the tanker industry and meet the challenges – and opportunities – of the future successfully.
SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE
Environment
Energy efficiency operational indicator
Medium range
Suezmax
Goal: –2% per year
The Energy Efficiency Operational Index (EEOI) is a recognised method used in the shipping industry to measure a vessel’s energy efficiency per tonne of goods transported. Medium Range (MR) and Suezmax are two different types of vessels.
Comments: The energy efficiency of the MR fleet decreased slightly due to fewer operating vessels and higher average age. The goal for the Suezmax fleet was achieved.
Retention rate
94%
Goal: >90%
The company uses “Retention rate” as a key ratio to monitor its ability to retain seafarers.
13%
Share of Total income
341
Employees
7,113
Income, MSEK
4,243
Capital employed, MSEK
62
Tankers
0
LNG vessels