Odfjell: 'the cheapest fuel is the fuel you don’t use'

In a video interview recorded at the 2025 Chemical & Product Tanker Conference, Odfjell SE chief sustainability officer Øistein Jensen shared critical insights into the company’s approach to sustainability and fuel efficiency.

At the heart of his message was the assertion that "the cheapest fuel is the fuel you don’t use," underscoring the importance of reducing consumption as part of a broader strategy for operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Odfjell’s integrated approach allows the company to experiment with new technologies while maintaining a focus on holistic solutions that address long-term sustainability goals. "As a company, we have the flexibility to explore different technologies, but more importantly, we can leave behind those that do not provide a comprehensive solution," Mr Jensen explained.

This ability to experiment and adapt allows Odfjell to remain at the forefront of innovations that will enable the industry to meet its decarbonisation targets, all while keeping fuel consumption in check.

At the conference, Mr Jensen further emphasised the future of fuel, no matter which alternative emerges, will undoubtedly be more expensive than today’s options. This reality, he argued, makes it even more essential for companies to focus on maximising efficiency across all areas of their operations.

By achieving operational efficiency now, companies can minimise the impact of future fuel costs and remain competitive in a changing regulatory and economic landscape.

Mr Jensen’s contribution was part of the broader conversation at the conference on decarbonisation, where discussions on the evolution of fuels and technologies were key topics. His remarks highlighted the need for the maritime industry to embrace efficiency as the primary means of reducing both costs and emissions.

To hear more about Odfjell’s approach to sustainability and the importance of fuel efficiency, watch the full interview with Øistein Jensen.