Sustainable shipping
“For more than 100-years, Oldendorff has remained adaptive to change and true to our employees and clients. Our family inspired culture drive both our business ethics and our ESG priorities. This includes proactive environmental stewardship, a strong aim for diversity, and a steadfast respect for human rights. Oldendorff is committed to an ambitious decarbonisation trajectory towards sustainable levels in all aspects.”
Patrick Hutchins, CEO Oldendorff Carriers
Regulation Review
As part of our engagement with the shipping industry, we have done in-depth research on the IMO's new Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations (MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 28). We have determined that the regulations will not help the environment and may in many cases actually lead to higher emissions.
MoreSteps we are taking
Global Investment
In the last 8 years we have invested over $4 billion in about 100 Eco bulk carriers. Our objective is to continually reduce our fuel consumption and minimize our CO2 emissions
MoreIndustry Focus
We are solely focused on the bulk carrier segment of the shipping industry. We own and charter about 700 bulk carriers at any time.
Pioneering Spirit
As we strive to meet the challenges of achieving environmental targets, our Pioneering Spirit is in full gallop mode. Our Innovation and Sustainability teams are investigating a broad array of ideas to help us meet and exceed future regulations.
Our Eco-Ships
Our Innovative Mindset
We view our people as our greatest assets. All of our approximately 4,500 employees are challenged to look for ways to improve our carbon footprint and provide our shipping services in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Our Innovation and Newbuilding Department is continually looking for the best hardware solutions to improve the environmental footprint of our ships.
Our Global Engagement and Sustainability Team is collaborating with many different organisations and entities to listen, learn and share to find the best ways forward. The risks of making wrong decisions on sustainability issues, due to insufficient research or understanding, is more significant now than it has ever been.
Click finder to search our global teams
Owned Fleet & New Buildings
The owned fleet of Oldendorff Carriers is a modern fleet of about 110 bulk carriers. Many of the vessels were built or modified with fuel saving devices including: Becker Mewis Ducts and rudder bulbs, most of our vessels have long stroke engines and auxiliary engine economizers, to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, we have fitted 95% of our vessels with Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems which significantly reduce black carbon and sulphur emissions into the atmosphere.
Owned Fleet & New Buildings
The owned fleet of Oldendorff Carriers is a modern fleet of about 110 bulk carriers. Many of the vessels were built or modified with fuel saving devices including: Becker Mewis Ducts and rudder bulbs, most of our vessels have long stroke engines and auxiliary engine economizers, to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, we have fitted 95% of our vessels with Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems which significantly reduce black carbon and sulphur emissions into the atmosphere.
ECHO
Oldendorff Carriers proudly participates in the Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, a regional collaborative initiative led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to reduce the impacts of commercial shipping on at-risk whales. Since 2017, we have been slowing down while transiting through key foraging areas of the endangered southern resident killer whales - helping to measurably reduce underwater noise and create: #QuieterOceansForHealthierWhales.
Research & Collaboration
In our quest to make our vessels more economical and environmentally friendly, Oldendorff Carriers has signed a multi-year research agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA). Oldendorff, together with CBA and its campus collaborators including MIT’s Sea Grant Program, is investigating morphing structures, hydrodynamic cloaking, moving boundary layers, and alternative energy sources. Our objective in researching disruptive improvements in ship design and propulsion, is to help achieve the IMO and EU’s, Greenhouse Gas reduction requirements.
Oldendorff Carriers is also involved in a high-profile Green Corridor project. We are one of the founding partners of the West Australia – East Asia Iron Ore Green Corridor project, established in April 2022, together with Starbulk, Rio Tinto, BHP and Global Maritime Forum. The consortium partners are assessing the feasibility for deploying zero emission vessels on this major iron ore trade route. The focus is on green ammonia as a zero emission marine fuel, a renewable hydrogen based future fuel without any carbon content. Australia has a favorable geographical location for the production of renewable hydrogen and green ammonia.
Another part of the project is assessing the feasibility of establishing ammonia bunkering infrastructure in West Australia in order for bunkering operations to potentially take place at the load ports area, benefitting from the favorable regional ammonia production outlook. Since ammonia burning engines are not yet commercially available, as well as the many other hurdles to overcome, it is clear that this ambitious project has a long term outlook.
At Oldendorff, we strive for operational excellence and closely align our business operations with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Click on the SDG’s below for more information
We continuously promote the maritime industry as an attractive career for those entering the job market and those looking for new challenges by way of a career change .
In 2015, we were awarded the ‘Excellence in Manpower Training and Development Award’ by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Oldendorff has a strong cadet program for about 150 seafarers. We believe that the performance of our future officers is directly connected to the success of our cadet training program. We expect about 100 cadets to get their Certificate of Competency (CoC) annually.
After obtaining the CoC, they are offered a position as Officer trainees (or Junior Officer / Engineer / Electrician). Subject to their performance they will be promoted and offered their first assignments as 3rd Officer, 3rd Engineer or Electrical Officer thereafter.
Oldendorff Carriers had 100% participation in annual employee reviews.
The reviews provide an opportunity for employees to discuss their developmental needs and potential training with their managers. In most cases annual reviews also provide an opportunity for employees to discuss their career path and goals.
In 2021, 37 colleagues relocated from one country to another to broaden their career and have a change in life experience.
Many of our employees began their careers by joining our comprehensive apprenticeship programme, which onboards new talent twice a year.
We are pleased that many employees continue their learning and development throughout their careers at Oldendorff Carriers.
In 2021, over 50% of our global employees have taken advantage of training and coaching to help develop their careers.
Oldendorff Carriers sponsors a comprehensive bilingual education programme for children from preschool through to high school. The bilingual teaching is done using the “Immersion” method. The bilingual teaching is effectively complemented by the use of native speakers during classes and in public all-day schools.
Oldendorff is an equal opportunities employer that embraces those who are passionate about the shipping industry. Our colleagues hail from 60 different countries and speak 107 languages.
Largest locations by employee numbers
In 2018, we partnered with Erma First to equip our vessels with IMO and USCG-approved Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) to control the harmful effects of unwanted or invasive species being transported in ships’ ballast water.
MoreWe have a pilot project on 5 vessels to replace plastic water bottles with a reverse osmosis drinking water filtration system. This will replace approximately 6,000 plastic bottles per year per ship and if we do it across our fleet it will replace approximately 480,000 plastic bottles per year.
Teamwork is our culture. Our bottom-up management empowers our 4,500 colleagues to achieve their potential – a winning formula for sustainable economical growth.
In 2021, we signed a JDP with rotor sail manufacturer ANEMOI, ship design company SDARI and classification society Lloyd’s Register, to explore the feasibility of flettner wind-assist technology on large bulk carriers.
In 2019 we signed a multi-year research agreement with MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms. Together we are investigating various disruptive improvements in ship design and propulsion to achieve the IMO and EU's GHG reduction requirements. Research areas include morphing structures, hydrodynamic cloaking, moving boundary layers, and alternative energy sources.
More
Oldendorff Carriers has invested in cargo hold cleaning robots. Robots make cargo hold cleaning safer for crew, and reduce the need for chemicals.
In 2021 we signed the IMPA ACT, an initiative of the International Marine Purchasing Association that encourages ship owners, ship operators, and ship suppliers to demonstrate a tangible commitment to responsible supply chain management and corporate social responsibility.
We have a pilot project on 5 vessels to replace plastic water bottles with a reverse osmosis drinking water filtration system. This will replace approximately 6,000 plastic bottles per year per ship and if we do it across our fleet it will replace approximately 480,000 plastic bottles per year.
In 2019 Oldendorff Carriers started to equip our entire fleet of bulk carriers with efficient and environmentally friendly LED lights. The lifetime of LED bulbs is about 5 times longer compared with normal fluorescent bulbs. The use of LED’s will also reduce the electrical power requirement and consequently the emissions from each ship.
Australia to East Asia Iron Ore Green Coirridor
Oldendorff Carriers has signed a Letter of Intent with BHP, Rio Tinto, Star Bulk Carriers and the Global Maritime Forum, to jointly assess what is required to facilitate a viable green corridor on the Australia to East Asia, iron ore trade route. The group was brought together through their shared ambition and engagement in the Getting to Zero Coalition. The consortium partners each represent parts of the value chain and bring key perspectives into investigating commercial elements needed to decarbonise this trade route.
Since 2014, we have ordered around 100 ‘eco’ vessels offering very low fuel consumption and a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
29% lower carbon intensity than IMO requirements | A+ RightShip GHG Rating
Many of our ships are equipped with ultra-long stroke main engines, with low engine speed and a lower rpm, allowing the use of larger propellers that are significantly more efficient in terms of propulsion. This reduces fuel consumption and resulting emissions.
Becker Mewis Ducts and rudder bulbs are power-saving devices featured on several of our ships. These result in a 5-8% combined energy efficiency gain. Mewis Ducts enhance the water flow to the propeller to increase thrust. Rudder bulbs change the hub vortex to streamline water flow behind the propeller.
In 2021, we began conducting trials with a 2nd generation biofuel containing used cooking oil (UCO) as its feedstock.
The voyage on the Kira Oldendorff was performed from Australia to Europe for BHP with biofuel bunkering carried out in Singapore. The results of the biofuel trial were published in The Royal Society of Chemistry magazine Sustainable Energy and Fuels. In 2022, we carried out a trial voyage on the Edwine Oldendorff from Australia to Vietnam using biofuel for the CBH Group, the largest agricultural co-operative in Western Australia.
Singapore Anchorage | 4th April 2021
Most of our owned fleet and some of our chartered vessels are fitted with an exhaust gas abatement system to minimize air emissions.
The exhaust gas abatement systems are designed, built and installed to the highest standards, and fully comply with Regulation MEPC.259(68) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
In 2019, we began replacing existing lights with LEDs which are up to 80% more efficient than traditional lighting such as fluorescent, halogen, and incandescent lights.
Since 2015, we have been equipping our ships with performance monitoring systems to enable us to optimize voyages in real time. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
After having conducted successful trials on board, we encourage our seafarers to use the Eyesea app, which collects observational pollution data to build comprehensive maps designed to inform and empower government and NGO environmental cleanup efforts.
ECHO
Oldendorff Carriers proudly participates in the Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, a regional collaborative initiative led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to reduce the impacts of commercial shipping on at-risk whales. Since 2017, we have been slowing down while transiting through key foraging areas of the endangered southern resident killer whales - helping to measurably reduce underwater noise and create: #QuieterOceansForHealthierWhales.
Corruption stifles innovation and development. To help tackle the systemic root causes of corruption, we have joined the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN).
Oldendorff Carriers has an Anti-Bribery, Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct which applies to all employees. All employees are required to follow the code of conduct and the law wherever we operate.
Our Global Partners
Collaborating with others is a valuable way in which to learn and share experiences so we are active members of a variety of leading associations driving sustainability in our industry.
We work with governments and authorities to make sure our voice is heard, and that our influence adds value.
Getting to Zero Coalition
An initiative of the Global Maritime Forum The Coalition is committed to getting commercially viable deep sea zero emission vessels powered by zero emission fuels into operation by 2030. Oldendorff actively participates and contributes knowledge to the Fuels & Technologies Workstream.
The Center for Bits and Atoms
We signed a research agreement with MITs Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA) in 2019 Together we are investigating various disruptive improvements in ship design and propulsion to achieve the IMO and EU's GHG reduction requirements Research areas include morphing structures, hydrodynamic cloaking, moving boundary layers, and alternative energy sources.
Clean Shipping Alliance
As founding members of this cross-sectoral alliance, we advocate for the better and wider acceptance of emission abatement technology, the details of which are often misunderstood CSA provides science-based information and actively and regularly engages with maritime and environmental authorities around the world.
BIMCO Marine Environment Committee
We are founding members of the Marine Environment Committee. Typical agenda items include reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, biofouling management and ballast water management.
OTPCO
The taskforce's mission is to optimize the ship-port interface with an open and pragmatic problem-solving agenda. At the heart of the project, is combining shipping and port services by improving quality and availability of master and event data which will deliver benefits to stakeholders while lowering GHG emissions.
Methanol Institute
Methanol is a clean-burning, biodegradable fuel. Increasingly, methanol's environmental and economic advantages are making it an attractive alternative fuel for powering ships. Oldendorff Joined as a member in 2021 to learn more about methanol and assess the overall feasibility of powering our vessels with this promising energy source.
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network works to eliminate all forms of maritime corruption by; raising awareness of the challenges faced; implementing Anti-Corruption Principles and co-developing best practices; collaborating with stakeholders to identity and mitigate root causes of corruption and creating a culture of integrity within the maritime community.
Ammonia Energy Association
Oldendorff Carriers are members of the AEA which promotes the use of ammonia in a sustainable energy economy. Oldendorff joined as a member in 2022 to better understand the feasibility of powering our vessels with this clean energy in the future.
Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping is an independent, non-profit R&D center dedicated to decarbonizing global shipping. It unites top minds in science, engineering, and business from worldwide organizations to fast-track the development and adoption of new energy systems and technologies.
Green Corridor
Oldendorff is partner with BHP, Rio Tinto, Star Bulk Carriers and the Global Maritime Forum to jointly assess what is required to facilitate a viable green corridor on the Australia to East Asia, iron ore trade route.
Our Awards
Green4Sea Dry Bulk Operator Award 2024 for leadership in promoting sustainability
Blue Circle Award Winner 2023
Blue Circle Award Winner 2022
Safety4Sea - Crew Welfare Dry Bulk Operator Award (for focusing on crew welfare, supporting social life onboard) 2022
Neptune Awards - The most Devoted Sustainability Promoter of the Year 2019
International Bulk Journal - Bulk Ship Operator of the Year 2019
Green Environmental Achievement Award- Port of Long Beach Voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction Program 2019
Handelskammer Hamburg Best Shipping Training Apprentice Award - 2017
International Bulk Journal - Bulk Ship Operator of the Year 2017
Largest Donation to Mercy Ships Cargo Day 2016
Bimco Shipping Company of the Year 2015
Excellence in Manpower Training and Development Award - Singapore International Maritime Awards 2015
Green Environmental Achievement Award- Port of Long Beach Voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction Program
Recognition of commitment to Maritime Training and partnership with The University of Trinidad and Tobago
Blue Circle Award Winner 2015
Handelskammer Hamburg Best Shipping Training Apprentice Award - 2015
2015 Marine Money Deal of the Year Award
The Oldendorff Carriers Whistleblower System
Oldendorff Carriers is committed to provide an environment where Oldendorff Carriers’ standards and best practices are encouraged and safeguarded. The Oldendorff Carriers Whistleblower System provides safe access to reporting existing or potential violations of law and regulations, policies and guidelines, or other serious irregularities. The reporting can be done anonymously, or by name.
The Oldendorff Carriers Whistleblower System can be used by any person related to Oldendorff Carriers’ business environment. This includes its employees, auditors, consultants, suppliers, customers, employees onboard Oldendorff Carriers owned or operated vessels and other business partners.