Tanker shipping company Stena Bulk has confirmed its intention to register up to five of its Suezmax vessels under the Swedish flag.
Stena Bulk said that the tankers will be the largest ships to sail under the Swedish flag, with each measuring approximately 275 metres long with a gross tonnage of 81,000.
Stena Bulk said the move will fill a current gap in Sweden's maritime registry, as presently there are no Suezmax tankers currently flagged in the nation.
The company added that it also reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape and the growing need for control over strategic transportation assets.
Work is ongoing to ensure the transition is fully aligned with what Stena Bulk said are the "practical realities of vessel operation".
The company is working closely with Swedish authorities and relevant trade unions to ensure all aspects – from crewing to compliance – are addressed in a way that maintains safe and efficient operations. This is a fundamental priority for the company and a prerequisite for proceeding.
The target is to complete the registration and transition process around July 1, 2025, subject to final administrative steps and continued constructive dialogue with all involved parties.
"We are acting in line with the new conditions established by the [Swedish] government and responding to the clear need for greater national capacity in deep-sea shipping," said Erik Hånell, President and CEO of Stena Bulk. "We are committed to ensuring this works not only in principle, but also in practice – with safe, effective, and sustainable operations at the core."