Norway’s tanker operator Stolt Tankers, part of Stolt-Nielsen Limited, has reduced its fuel consumption by 6% compared to 2020, the latest figures show.
As explained, 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 last week, 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, in 2020 Stolt Tankers published its ambition to reduce its own carbon intensity by 50% by 2030 (relative to 2008) and to become a fully carbon-neutral business by 2050.
According to the company, these ambitions are not only driven by a desire to operate more sustainably 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 (ETS) . Starting from 2023, ship-owners will be charged for each metric tonne 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 are increasingly volatile.
“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,” Lucas Vos , President Stolt Tankers, said, commenting on the need to reduce CO2 emissions and the new carbon tax.
“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 optimisation. Speed and trim were optimised according to weather conditions and enhanced maintenance programmes – 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 decarbonising, 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 centre to collaborate on decarbonisation projects.