Chemical and product tanker Stena Imperial, jointly owned by Stena Bulk and Indonesian Golden Agri Resources (GAR), was christened in Savannah, Georgia Aug. 31.

The 50,000dwt MR tanker is based on the IMOIIMAX concept, designed to transport both vegetable oils, chemicals as well as clean and dirty petroleum products.

It is the third out of ten vessels ordered by Stena Bulk for a total of US$400m with delivery to be completed by 2017. The vessels are operated by Stena Weco and trade within the company's logistical systems, which now will include a fleet of some 60 tankers.

The vessel was delivered from the Chinese shipyard GSI (Guangzhou Shipbuilding International) July 1 and has now arrived in Savannah on the US East Coast with a cargo of palm oil.

Kari McCormick, wife of Doug McCormick, Commercial Regional Manager, Chevron in Houston, was godmother at the naming ceremony in Savannah.

"We are very pleased with the performance of the IMOIIMAX tankers delivered so far. They have already fulfilled all our expectations. The configuration of several small tanks provides for considerable flexibility in regards of cargo combination, something that fits very well within our existing global logistical systems. Additionally, innovative technical solutions have, for example, resulted in lower fuel consumption and have also proved to be very effective in conjunction with discharging and tank cleaning," says Erik Hånell, CEO of Stena Bulk.

The tanker has 18 tanks of the same size, each with a capacity of 3,000cbm, which allows for greater cargo flexibility. A large number of innovative technical solutions have been implemented, which together, when sailing at service speed, result in 10-20% lower fuel consumption compared with other vessels of the same size.