Erik Hånell is the President and CEO of Stena Bulk, one of the world’s leading tanker shipping companies. He has been in this position since 2012, and has been instrumental in driving the company’s innovation and sustainability agenda.

He joined Stena Bulk AB in 1999 and served initially on the Commercial Operation side in Gothenburg. In 2001 he was moved to the Commercial operation department in Stena Bulk’s office in Houston where he shortly thereafter became responsible for the Commercial Operation Globally.

In 2009 he was appointed as Executive Vice President & Head of Stena Bulk USA and responsible for the Stena Sonangol Suezmax Pool and later also the JV Stena Weco that 2017 was merged into Stena Bulk

Hånell started his career at sea in the early 1990 for 10 years ending up as senior officer onboard tankers.

the leader of Stena Bulk, Hånell has overseen the development and delivery of several generations of eco-ships, such as the Suezmax vessels in 2010, the IMOIIMAX vessels between 2015 and 2018, and the IMOIIMeMAX MR tankers in 2022 and 2023. These ships are designed to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and environmental impact, while enhancing safety and efficiency. He has been instrumental in driving the company’s innovation and sustainability agenda.

Hånell is also active in the wider maritime sector, serving on the boards of Skuld P&I Club and ITOPF, an international organization that provides advice and assistance on marine pollution incidents, and in ORBIT MI, an intelligent maritime technology hub powered by AI and machine learning.  He was appointed as ITOPF’s Chairman in November 2019. Hånell is passionate about promoting the interests and values of the shipping industry and has participated in several executive interviews and media events.