Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Stena-Imperative

In a shocking incident on March 2, 2026, at 2:57 a.m., the 'Stena Imperative' sustained damage from two drone strikes at the ASRY Shipyard in Manamah, Bahrain. Fortunately, the crew was able to evacuate safely as the operator, Stena Bulk, swiftly took action to ensure both the safety of the vessel and its personnel. A fire ignited onboard but has since been contained. Tragically, the attack resulted in the death of one shipyard worker, with two others sustaining injuries. The drones employed in the attack are believed to have originated from Iran. Just weeks prior, on February 3, the 'Stena Imperative' encountered Iranian gunboats while navigating the Strait of Hormuz Traffic Separation Scheme, where it was forced to halt and prepare for inspection. Displaying quick decision-making, the tanker increased its speed to continue on its journey. After departing from Fujairah, the 'Stena Imperative' arrived in Bahrain on February 5 and underwent docking repairs. Its involvement in the Tanker Security Programme, contracted by the US Department of Defense for strategic operations, has made it a target for potential aggressions. This program includes chartering commercial vessels to support US national defense and maritime security. Notably, in 2025, the ship achieved certification from the US Military Sealift Command, enabling it to perform ship-to-ship refueling while at sea, thereby solidifying its critical role within the US Navy’s logistical support chain.

On February 3, 2026, the tanker 'Stena Imperative', which was en route from Ho Chi Minh City to Manamah, Bahrain, found itself in a tense situation as it was approached by Iranian gunboats while passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 30 kilometers north of Oman, three pairs of armed gunboats with machine guns demanded that the tanker halt and prepare for boarding. However, the 'Stena Imperative' did not comply and proceeded toward its destination, with an expected arrival time at Sitrah port in Bahrain set for February 5. In response to the unfolding situation, a U.S. Navy destroyer, already conducting operations in the area, moved swiftly to escort the vessel and provided armed support alongside air assets. Notably, this incident transpired just within Omani waters, positioned on the southern side of the internationally recognized Traffic Separation Scheme and near the northern tip of the Musandam Peninsula, clearly outside Iran's territorial waters. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) launched an investigation into this alarming encounter.

On the morning of October 30, 2017, a 21-year-old man was successfully medevaced by the US Coast Guard from the tanker 'Stena Imperative', located approximately 12 miles south of Freeport, Texas. The incident unfolded when the captain of the vessel alerted Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders at 8:07 a.m., reporting that a crew member was experiencing intermittent periods of consciousness due to a head injury sustained from a fall. A swift response ensued, with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Houston arriving on the scene by 9:26 a.m. The helicopter crew hoisted the injured man aboard and transported him to Galveston Scholes Airport, where emergency medical services were ready to provide further assistance.

Stena Bulk proudly announces the commissioning of the Stena Imperative, a state-of-the-art medium-range (MR) tanker with a deadweight tonnage of 50,000. This impressive vessel represents the latest evolution in a new class of versatile MR tankers crafted by CSSC Offshore & Marine Engineering (previously known as Guangzhou Shipyard International). The delivery of the Stena Imperative comes hot on the heels of a newly awarded contract for three additional ships, which significantly expands the production series to a total of 13 IMOIIMAX design vessels for Stena Bulk as well as its trading partners. This strategic move underscores Stena Bulk's commitment to enhancing its fleet with innovative, efficient shipping solutions. Source: Fairplay IHS

Stena Bulk has proudly announced the successful delivery of its latest IMOIIMAX tanker, the Stena Imperative, from the esteemed CSSC Offshore & Marine Engineering shipyard in Guangzhou, China. This state-of-the-art chemical and product tanker is equivalent in size to a 50,000 dwt MR tanker and boasts a remarkable design that enhances operational efficiency. The Stena Imperative is uniquely designed with 18 tanks, each capable of holding 3,000 m3, allowing it to transport a variety of cargoes including vegetable oils and a range of chemicals, such as oil and petroleum products. The innovative specifications of the IMOIIMAX fleet provide exceptional cargo flexibility, enhanced safety measures, and improved fuel consumption rates. A special naming ceremony for the vessel is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong on January 26, 2016. Stena Imperative marks the fifth addition to the fleet of ten tankers ordered by Stena Bulk in 2012, with the first four vessels having already been delivered in 2015. The remaining five tankers are slated for delivery by 2017, reflecting Stena Bulk's commitment to expanding its fleet with advanced maritime solutions.