In this sixth episode of the First Movers series, Odfjell’s Erik Hjortland discusses the results and lessons learned from the installation of more than 140 energy efficiency technologies across the company’s fleet of 71 chemical tankers. 

The Norwegian owner and operator first embarked on an energy efficiency programme in 2007, using enhanced data collection to drive operational improvements, before rolling out a retrofitting programme to upgrade rudder systems, propellers and main engines across its fleet from 2015. 

In this conversation, Erik comments on the results achieved by the programme, which has improved the energy efficiency of Odfjell’s managed fleet by 53% compared to a 2008 baseline. He also sheds light on the company’s approach to selecting what technologies to install on its vessels, and shares his insights into which ones have delivered the best return on investment in real-life operations.

He argues that the business case for energy efficiency is clear, revealing that Odfjell has invested $40 million in energy efficiency technologies since 2014, which led to $108 million in savings in the past five years. 

Erik also explains why Odfjell decided to move one step further with the installation of suction sails on the Bow Olympus, and the completion of a near carbon neutral transatlantic voyage which combined wind propulsion and biofuels. He calls on the industry to do more to harness the emissions reduction potential of existing technologies.

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First Movers puts the spotlight on maritime companies that that were among the first to trial and adopt new fuels or technologies. The series goes beyond initial big announcements and headlines, and asks what happens in the months and years that follow. It aims to unpack the practical challenges that first movers experience, and implementing new fuels or technologies have transformed their operations and business. 

Episode 01: Rasmus Nielsen, Naval Architect / Officer at Scandlines, one of the first companies to install rotor sails on their ships

Episode 02: Andrew Hoare, Group Manager of Green Shipping at Fortescue, which pioneered the world’s first ship to use ammonia as fuel

Episode 03: Jordan Pechie, President of Seaspan Marine Transportation, about the deployment of fully-electric tugboats in their fleet

Episode 04: Femke Brenninkmeijer, CEO of NPRC, which spearheaded the world’s first newbuild inland vessel that can use hydrogen as a fuel

Episode 05: Henrik Røjel, Head of Decarbonisation & Climate Solutions at Norden, which became one of the first companies to trial 100% biofuels on a large ocean-going vessel