Powering a better future: Svanehoj delivers on strategic ESG commitments

 

Over the past four years, Svanehoj has achieved remarkable results by integrating the Triple Bottom Line (people, planet, profit) into a fast-growing marine solutions business. At the end of 2025, the current ESG strategy will conclude and be replaced by new, ambitious goals for environmental and social sustainability.

 

Svanehoj’s mission is to help power a better future by offering solutions and services that support a safe and efficient transition to cleaner energy in shipping and other hard-to-abate sectors. But while helping customers reduce emissions, Svanehoj must also minimize its environmental impact and serve as an inspiration for others to follow.

 

Consequently, we introduced the “Engage to Sustain” framework in 2022 to drive our ESG efforts. With eight ambitious targets across the focus areas “People”, “Planet”, “Solutions”, and “Supply Chain”, Svanehoj embarked on a mission to power a better future. This mission now hits a significant milestone as we conclude our first ESG strategy period.

 

Lowering emissions: GHG reduction target reached a year ahead of schedule

Among the many significant highlights over the past four years, the standout achievement was hitting our Scope 1 & 2 GHG reduction target a full year ahead of plan. By the end of 2024, we had lowered CO2e emissions per mDKK revenue by 52%, surpassing our 2025 target of a 50% reduction. Early data for the current year show that the downward trend continues, and we therefore expect our relative Scope 1 and 2 emissions to decrease further in 2025.

 

The reduction in emissions intensity reflects our efforts to grow the business while using energy more efficiently. During the strategy period, productivity has increased through investments in lean processes, automation, and better use of resources, alongside the outsourcing of non-strategic activities. This approach enables us to meet our targets for both growth and environmental impact.

 

Innovating for a better future

Recognizing shipping's urgent need for innovation, we have accelerated the pace of our product development. Guided by an ESG target of directing at least 95% of all R&D investments into solutions and products that align with our mindset of "Powering a Better Future", we have brought several new products and solutions to market:

 

CS Fuel Pump for LNG (2022)

With the CS Fuel Pump, Svanehoj became the first marine pump supplier to offer both deepwell pumps and submerged pumps for electric LNG fuel systems. The CS Fuel Pump features a unique self-cleaning LNG filter that ensures optimal flow and a highly efficient electric motor, specifically designed to run fully submerged in cryogenic fluid. More info: CS Fuel Pump

 

HPP Triplex Unit for LNG (2023)

Drawing from extensive expertise in cryogenic solutions, we developed the HPP Triplex Unit, a high-pressure LNG fuel pump solution for two-stroke engines. With unique features such as a low-friction sealing arrangement, a cartridge solution for swift sealing replacement, and a new inlet valve design, the HPP Triplex Unit is designed to meet the maritime industry's demands for leak-free, long-lasting critical components. More info: HPP Triplex

 

HP NH3 Booster Pump for ammonia (2024)

To support growing interest in alternative fuels for maritime transport, we developed the HP NH3 Booster Pump, a compact high-pressure ammonia fuel pump capable of delivering injection pressure up to 100 BAR. To meet the highest safety standards, this design introduces several innovative features for sealing and containment. In terms of maintenance, the pump is fully drainable and can be lifted out in one piece. More info: HP NH3 Booster Pump

 

LTD Sensor for liquefied gas (2025)

Accurate measurement data is the foundation of safety in LNG storage. The Svanehoj LTD Sensor delivers a complete and accurate picture of what's happening inside the LNG tank, helping operators detect early warning signs and act before stratification and rollover become a risk. More info: Svanehoj LTD Sensor

 

NCM Engine Room Pump (2025)

A compact and versatile marine engine room pump design that optimizes onboard liquid handling. Because of its lower weight, fewer components, and just a single wear part, the NCM Pump is faster to assemble, disassemble, and maintain. A key innovation lies in its reduced wear parts. With only the mechanical seal subject to wear, the design ensures more consistent performance, fewer disruptions during operations, and a reduced need for spare parts. More info: NCM Engine Room Pump

 

Powering our people is an essential part of our ESG commitment

At Svanehoj, we believe that empowering our employees through personal and professional development is key to building a stronger, more resilient, and more attractive workplace. During the strategy period, we have strengthened our efforts to attract and retain talent by investing in career development and initiatives that further enhance the working environment.

 

Most recently, we launched a new internal leadership program, with the first module completed in September for all managers in Svanehoj. Two additional modules will follow in the first half of 2026. In parallel, we have strengthened our commitment to lifelong learning by advancing continuing education for our blue-collar colleagues, ensuring that development opportunities are accessible to every Svanehoj employee. 

 

The steps we have taken to empower our people are clearly visible in our ability to retain and attract talented colleagues. Our voluntary employee turnover is at a record low and is expected to be around 7% in 2025. At the same time, the Svanehoj organisation has expanded significantly, growing from just over 300 employees in 2022 to more than 560 today. Svanehoj is growing rapidly and with purpose, and we continue to see strong interest from skilled professionals who want to contribute to and grow with our organisation.

 

Safety first – ”Accept Only Zero”

Safety remains a critical risk factor in the maritime industry, and at Svanehoj, it is a fundamental priority to safeguard the health and well-being of our people. Throughout the strategy period, we have intensified our efforts to strengthen our health and safety culture with a clear focus on preventing work-related accidents.

 

As part of ITT, we have adopted the “Accept Only Zero” safety mindset, which encourages employees to take ownership of identifying risks, using the right tools, and applying their training to prevent incidents before they occur.

 

Although we have not yet achieved our ESG target of zero health and safety incidents, we are making solid progress. We have reduced ”lost time injuries” from 8 in 2022 to 2 so far in 2025, and ”medical treatment cases” from 3 in 2022 to 0 so far in 2025. Notably, no fatal injuries have occurred throughout the strategy period.

 

Over the past four years, ESG has matured from an ambitious leadership initiative into a defining part of Svanehoj’s identity and culture. As we move ahead, our enhanced ESG organisation will continue to drive sustainable progress. In our 2025 ESG Report, we will provide the final assessment of the eight targets outlined in our 2025 strategy and present our ESG ambitions towards 2030.