# Stena Bulk expands Swedish-flagged tanker fleet with two more vessels

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/stena-bulk-expands-swedish-flagged-tanker-fleet-with-two-more-vessels/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** pelavox. Newsroom
- **Published:** 2026-10-10T10:55:50+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-10T10:55:51+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Tankers
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Stena Bulk

Stena Bulk has completed the reflagging of two additional tankers to the Swedish flag, bringing the total number of vessels transferred under its ongoing registration programme to five.

The latest additions are the product and chemical tanker Stena Imperator and the Suezmax tanker Stena Superior, following the company’s decision in July 2025 to increase the number of vessels registered in Sweden.

The move forms part of a wider initiative aimed at strengthening Sweden’s maritime sector, improving national shipping capabilities and creating additional opportunities for Swedish seafarers.

## Stena Imperator joins Swedish register

The most recent reflagging involved Stena Imperator, a 49,690 dwt product and chemical tanker built by Guangzhou Shipbuilding International (GSI) and delivered in 2017.

The vessel’s transfer to the Swedish register was completed in San Francisco, making it the first tanker from Stena Bulk’s IMOIIMAX design series to participate in the programme.

The reflagging followed the registration of Stena Superior, a Suezmax tanker whose transfer was completed in Shenzhen, China, during the previous month.

With these additions, Stena Bulk has now completed five vessel registrations under the initiative announced in July 2025.

The inclusion of an IMOIIMAX tanker also extends the programme beyond the Suezmax segment, bringing another vessel type into the Swedish register.

## Swedish shipping reforms support reflagging programme

When Stena Bulk introduced the initiative, Sweden had no large tankers registered under its national flag.

The company’s programme was developed in response to changes intended to make the Swedish ship register more competitive and encourage shipowners to register vessels domestically.

These measures include the removal of stamp duty, a competitive tonnage tax framework and improvements to the Swedish Ship Register.

According to Stena Bulk, the programme is also intended to contribute to Sweden’s national preparedness and strategic resilience by increasing the country’s presence in international tanker shipping.

The initiative seeks to create additional opportunities for Swedish maritime professionals while strengthening the country’s shipping expertise.

The latest transfers demonstrate the company’s continued implementation of its registration strategy, with vessels changing flag while remaining engaged in their normal commercial operations.

## Stena Bulk continues fleet registration strategy

Erik Hånell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stena Bulk, said the latest transfers represent further progress in the company’s programme.

“Bringing an IMOIIMAX into the Swedish register alongside our Suezmaxes is an important step,” Hånell said.

He also highlighted the completion of the procedures in China and the United States without interrupting the vessels’ normal trading activities.

According to the company, the process has involved cooperation between vessel crews, shore-based personnel, Swedish authorities and maritime unions.

The reflagging programme reflects Stena Bulk’s intention to increase the number of tankers operating under the Swedish flag while supporting the development of Sweden’s maritime sector.

The company has not disclosed a timetable for further vessel transfers or specified how many additional tankers could eventually join the Swedish register.

For now, the completion of the fourth and fifth reflaggings brings the programme to five vessels, including both Suezmax and product and chemical tankers.

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Cite as: "Stena Bulk expands Swedish-flagged tanker fleet with two more vessels", pelavox., 10 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/stena-bulk-expands-swedish-flagged-tanker-fleet-with-two-more-vessels/