TORM and Odfjell Tankers received top awards for outstanding industry contributions at a recent industry event
At the International Chemical & Product Tanker Conference, held in London on 23-24 April 2024, the prestigious Commitment to Excellence Awards were presented* to TORM and Odfjell Tankers, acknowledging their significant contributions to the product and chemical tanker industries, respectively.
TORM received the Commitment to Excellence Award 2024 for Product Tankers. TORM’s head of the technical division, Jesper S. Jensen, accepted the award, stating: “It is really a pleasure to be here and to receive the Award.” He highlighted the company’s integrated operational model, saying: “We have everything under one roof, owning or commercially controlling the ships ourselves. We do all the technical management and crewing ourselves. That enables us to actually attack any problem – and there are always problems to face in our industry.”
TORM, one of the largest owners and operators of product tankers globally, was commended for its One TORM platform, which integrates commercial and technical operations. This cohesive approach has enabled TORM to reduce its CO2 emissions intensity by 39.6% compared to 2008 levels, nearly reaching its 2025 target of a 40% reduction. The company has also maintained a low lost time accident frequency of 0.32, demonstrating a strong commitment to safety. This operational excellence has translated into impressive financial results, including a 27.6% return on invested capital.
Odfjell Tankers was awarded the Commitment to Excellence Award 2024 for Chemical Tankers. Jan Ove Ødegård, Odfjell SE’s marine manager, received the award, expressing gratitude: “It is an honour to receive this Commitment to Excellence Award. We are grateful that all the hard work of our technology department has been recognised.” Odfjell’s notable achievement includes the retrofit installation of the bound4blue’s eSAIL system on the chemical carrier Bow Orion. This state-of-the-art wind-assisted propulsion system has significantly reduced the vessel’s carbon footprint, contributing to Odfjell’s 51% improvement in carbon intensity since 2008.
Reflecting on past award recipients, the then Stolt Tanker managing director, Maren Schroeder, received the Chemical & Product Tanker Industry Leader Award in 2023.
Ms Schroeder has been named the president of Stolt Tankers, effective 1 July 2024. Ms Schroeder’s ascension marks a significant milestone in the industry. Stolt Tanker outgoing president, Lucas Vos, praised her leadership, stating: “She is a natural leader and is so considerate in every decision that she takes.” Ms Schroeder’s influence has been profound, especially in advocating for the chemical and product tankers’ unique situation regarding the Carbon Intensity Index (CII).
"She is a natural leader and is so considerate in every decision that she takes"
Ms Schroeder’s career trajectory has been impressive. Since joining Stolt Tankers in 2019 as fleet director, she has been pivotal in strengthening virtual connections between ship and shore personnel, a crucial development during the Covid-19 pandemic. As managing director since 2022, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision. Ms Schroeder’s roles extend beyond Stolt Tankers; she is a member of the Intertanko Council, the DNV Owners Committee, and the board of ITOPF, among other significant industry positions.
These awards and leadership changes underscore the dynamic nature of the chemical and product tanker industries. Companies like TORM and Odfjell Tankers are setting benchmarks for operational excellence and sustainability, while leaders like Ms Schroeder are steering the industry towards a future defined by innovation and strategic foresight.
*The Commitment to Excellence Awards were presented at the International Chemical & Product Tanker Conference held in London on 23-24 April 2024. The Gold Sponsors were Bureau Veritas, DNV, The Marshall Islands Registry / IRI, Jotun, Lloyd’s Register, and MarFlex.
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