At Stena Bulk, our operations span the world’s major shipping routes, but few people see the strategic thinking that happens behind every fuel purchase that helps to power our tanker fleet. Today we’re sharing insights from Yvonne Rittfeldt, our General Manager, Head of Bunker & Energy, whose decisions directly impact our operational efficiency and sustainability goals.

Yvonne’s day starts by checking global oil prices and monitoring our fleet movements. With over eight years at Stena Bulk and decades of experience in oil trading and supply, she brings unique perspective to fuel procurement across our entire tanker fleet, including joint ventures.

“I initially thought buying might be less exciting than trading,” Yvonne says, as she reflects on her transition from the supplier side. “But it’s become more strategic. There’s real value in having the freedom to choose when and how to make a purchase.”

This strategic approach is essential when you consider the complexity of operations that Yvonne has to consider. She oversees procurement for fuel across the entirety of Stena Bulk’s fleet, with vessels operating globally and carrying different cargoes. Quality, timing, and supplier relationships all play crucial roles in keeping vessels operating efficiently.

The global nature of the business means Yvonne regularly travels to key maritime hubs like Singapore, Houston, and Rotterdam to maintain supplier relationships. For Yvonne, these aren’t courtesy visits, but rather essential meetings for customer and supplier interactions – Yvonne places great value in doing business face to face, noting that “there is no substitute for meeting in person.”

“Saving money won’t mean much if fuel quality or delivery timing isn’t right,” she explains. “We prioritise factors like fuel quality, service reliability, and supplier performance. In challenging ports, knowing a supplier’s track record around barge availability and flexibility can make all the difference.”

Yvonne’s team are also increasingly applying digital tools to monitor and evaluate supplier performance over time, building data that informs future decisions. The team also works to evaluate a broader range of fuel quality factors that impact overall vessel efficiency, engine performance, and operational stability.

As part of Stena Bulk’s sustainability commitments, bunker procurement plays a key role. Since 2020, Stena Bulk has been trialling biofuels, learning about performance and preparing to offer low-carbon options to customers. What started as experimental trials has evolved into confident deployment, with Yvonne’s team now understanding market dynamics and varying volumes based on trade patterns and regulatory requirements.

“With our sustainability team directly linked with bunkering, we ensure a more connected and strategic approach to meeting environmental goals,” Yvonne says. This integration reflects how the industry is evolving, with fuel choices now carrying environmental implications that extend well beyond immediate operational needs.

The regulatory landscape adds another layer of complexity. EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime requirements have shifted focus from purely operational concerns to compliance, documentation, and carbon allowance management.

Looking ahead, Yvonne’s team is exploring digitalisation and AI-driven optimisation tools to improve purchasing decisions. This includes building a platform designed to provide operators and charterers with insights into market conditions and support more effective planning.

Working within a small, tight-knit team means constant communication and close collaboration with Yvonne’s peers in the operations and chartering teams. The challenge lies in ensuring fuel is purchased at the right time, in the right quantity, from the right supplier and in the right place – complex coordination that demands both tactical decisions and strategic planning.

For Yvonne, the evolution from trader to strategic procurement specialist reflects broader changes within the shipping industry. As environmental concerns reshape fuel choices and regulatory complexity increases, her role sits at the intersection of operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and market strategy.

“The work is hands-on, dynamic, and demands both tactical decisions and strategic planning,” she says. It’s work that keeps our global operations moving whilst preparing for an increasingly complex regulatory and environmental future.

At Stena Bulk, we’re proud of the expertise our team brings to these critical decisions. Their strategic thinking and industry knowledge ensure our fleet operates efficiently whilst advancing our sustainability commitments across global markets.