Stena Bulk’s next-gen product tanker aims for big GHG emission cuts

Written by Nick Blenkey
image description

LNG dual fueled vessel is fittedwith Flettner rotors and solar panels

A prototype next-generation product and chemical tanker developed by Stena Bulk, the IMOFlexMax, is designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% compared to current modern product tankers.

Designed by naval architects at sister company Stena Teknik, the IMOFlexMAX is a further development of the current IMOIIMAX design and is based on 40 years of tanker shipping experience.

The vessels will be equipped with Flettner rotors and solar panels to harvest energy from wind and sunlight. They will be powered by efficient dual-fuel engines that can run on LNG as well as conventional low-sulfur fuels using today’s newest technology. Stena Bulk is also leaving open the way for further development of alternatives with consideration to trade lanes and customers’ expectations.

Stena Bulk says the basic concept of the IMOFlexMax will allow it to dramatically reduce local SOX, NOX and particle emissions, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. With the combined fuel and energy efficiencies, the company says it will be able to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 25% with a potential to reach up to 45% compared to modern product tankers run by low-sulfur fuel oil.

Rotors tilt to meet need for clearance going under bridges in certain places

“The world’s need for reliable, innovative and sustainable transportation of liquid products is increasing and it will continue to do so as the world’s population grows and global living standards continue to improve,” says Erik Hånell, president and CEO at Stena Bulk.

With IMOFlexMAX vessels, which can be built today with existing and proven technology and other solutions, Stena Bulk says it is taking a major step forward in bringing shipping in compliance with the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Sustainability and Development Goals.

“The plan is for the IMOFlexMAX vessels to be deployed in Stena Bulk’s logistics system in the global market along with the IMOIIMAX,” says Hånell. “The IMOFlexMAX vessels will constitute an important asset for Stena Bulk, as well as for its partners, in strengthening our position as the market-leading, cross-trading specialists in the MR segment with increased efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gases.”

“The prototype is one step further in Stena Bulk’s vision of being our customers’ first choice for safety, innovation and performance in the transportation of oil, chemicals and gas,” adds Hånell.

Solar panels are installed on deck suraces where no tanker operations are carried out
Categories: Markets, News, Shipping, Technology Tags: , , , , ,