Final call: Tanker Awards voting ends 11 October

The clock is ticking for the Tanker Shipping & Trade Awards, with voting closing on 11 October 2024.

This prestigious annual event, designed to celebrate excellence across the tanker shipping industry, offers industry professionals the chance to recognise the companies and individuals who have demonstrated leadership and innovation over the past year.

The awards will be presented during the Tanker Shipping & Trade Conference, which is set to take place in London on 22 October 2024.

This year’s awards feature three core categories: the Tanker Operator of the Year Award, the Tanker Charterer of the Year Award, and the Tanker Industry Leader Award.

Of these, the Tanker Industry Leader Award has already been awarded to Sea Cargo Charter for its outstanding role in driving environmental responsibility and social governance across the sector.

The remaining two categories are still open for voting, and the industry is being urged to cast their votes before the 11 October deadline.

The Tanker Operator of the Year Award will go to an operator that has excelled in areas such as operational efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship.

The shortlisted Tanker Operator of the Year Award nominees are:

Teekay Tankers: Achieved the best safety record in two decades with zero Lost Time Injuries in 2023, demonstrating exceptional commitment to crew safety and operational excellence.

Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN): Significantly reduced safety incidents while exploring alternative fuels and technologies, balancing operational safety with environmental innovation.

AET: AET took delivery of three new LNG dual-fuel VLCCs, part of a long-term charter with Shell, highlighting its commitment to reducing GHG emissions.

Euronav: Euronav operates a modern fleet with an average age of 8.3 years, significantly younger than the industry average, and has implemented various energy efficiency initiatives that have resulted in substantial fuel savings. 

ADNOC: Acquired an 80% stake in Navig8 for $1.04 billion, strategically expanding its international presence and operational capabilities in the crude tanker market.

Frontline: Outperformed IMO and Poseidon Principles emission trajectories by 20% and 10% respectively, demonstrating industry-leading environmental performance in crude tanker operations.

DHT Holdings: Implemented comprehensive crew welfare initiatives and invested in an in-house training facility with full mission simulators, prioritising crew well-being and skill development.

The Tanker Charterer of the Year Award will recognise a charterer that has set the bar for excellence in tanker chartering, demonstrating forward-thinking strategies and a commitment to responsible practices.

The shortlisted Tanker Charterer of the Year Award nominees comprise:

ExxonMobil: Secured long-term charters for four new shuttle tankers, enhancing fleet modernisation and operational stability to ensure reliable crude oil transportation.

Vitol: Partnered to simplify EU ETS compliance for smaller operators, demonstrating leadership in supporting industry-wide sustainability efforts.

TotalEnergies: Became the leading Suezmax charterer and improved Aframax positioning, showcasing strategic growth and market adaptability in crude tanker operations.

BP: Conducted successful trials of biofuel blends on operated vessels, pioneering sustainable fuel solutions to reduce shipping emissions.

Trafigura: Implemented the Environmental and Social Sensitivity Assessment (TESSA) tool for comprehensive risk management, ensuring compliance and minimising environmental impact.

Participation from the global tanker shipping community is crucial to ensuring that the most deserving companies are recognised for their efforts.

The awards offer an opportunity to celebrate industry excellence and applaud the operators and charterers who continue to raise the bar in this ever-evolving sector.