How can a ship be named from afar? Digitally, of course

What happens if you want to christen a new office and a tanker at the same time, but the ship is at a port on another continent?

Stena Bulk answered that question by holding a digital naming ceremony for the 49,600-dwt chemical tanker Stena Immortal (built 2016).

Jane Olsson Thorburn, the wife of Stena Rederi chief executive Dan Sten Olsson swung a champagne bottle in the company’s new office in Copenhagen’s Hellerup suburb.

Then 200 guests watched on a video screen as a bottle of champagne smashed into the bow of the Stena Immortal as the IMOIIMAX tanker called in Houston, Texas.

“This ship naming ceremony using available technology is a sign of the times,” Stena Bulk chief executive Erik Hanell said. “Our goal is greater efficiency in everything we do and, accordingly, a digital naming ceremony symbolises a measure of sustainability, efficiency and new technology. This is what we are striving for and we want to be at the forefront of this process.”

Guests were also treated to a tour of Stena Rederi’s new digs in the centre of Copenhagen's shipping district, which hold the offices of Stena Bulk, Stena Line, Stena RoRo and Northern Marine Management. Stena Bulk has moved its staff from Rungsted to the new facility after the acquisition of the remaining 50% of Denmark’s Weco Shipping.