Socatra is a French maritime transport and logistics company providing services to the oil and storage sectors. The company delivers tailored solutions through its versatile fleet of modern tankers and strategically located shore-based storage facilities. CEO Laurent Bozzoni discussed recent investments, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Established in 1977, Socatra is the only tanker company currently operating in France, CEO Laurent Bozzoni said: “The company was founded by Angelo Bozzoni and his son, Fernand. The family shipping origins date back a salvage operation in the Garonne River in the late ‘40s. The successful refurbishment of an old sunken tanker shifted our focus from metal scrapping to ship owning, laying the foundation for our current operation.”
The company has now maintained a presence in the oil transport sector for almost 50 years. With its fleet of 15 vessels designed to support both regular liner services and tramping operations, Socatra can cover long-distance routes and regional shipping. This flexibility has enabled the company to manage long-term contracts with major global energy companies.
Socatra has also diversified into shore-based infrastructure and the leisure sector. Since 1992, the company has managed strategic oil storage facilities at two major sites on the French Atlantic coast. To support its growing operations, Socatra employs 50 shore-based staff across offices in France, Luxembourg and Singapore. As well as this, the company has an international pool of 450 officers and seafarers.
“I have run the company since 2021, taking over from my father, Fernand, who remains Chairman of the company,” added Mr Bozzoni. “Over the last five years, we have executed a significant fleet expansion. We have invested close to $600 million in 12 new vessels. A key part of this strategy was the delivery of seven methanol dual-fuel newbuild tankers, promoting sustainable fuel solutions.”
Innovative investment
To stay competitive in the shipping industry, Socatra prioritises operational agility. The company’s key focus as it continues to develop is flexibility, which is enhanced through its fleet. The modern fleet has an average age of four years and includes both medium-range tankers and smaller vessels. These ships are registered under French or European flags and are primarily secured through long-term contracts with reliable partners, ensuring financial stability.
“Our strategic partnerships are a core part of our business model,” explained Mr Bozzoni. “Recently we collaborated with our partners HAFNIA to order four methanol dual-fuel medium-range tankers from GSI in China. The vessels, all delivered in 2025 and 2026, and under the French flag, are on long-term charter with a prominent French major. With the trust of our business partners, we were able to connect French operations with global industry leaders.”
The company is also heavily investing in digital tools to improve performance and meet evolving environmental standards. By capturing live data on speed, fuel consumption and weather, both crews and shore teams can make faster, informed decisions.
“In collaboration with Syroco, we are deploying advanced performance optimisation and weather routeing solutions on more than half of our fleet,” continued Mr Bozzoni. “This will work to continuously improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Additionally, around half of our vessels are now equipped with Starlink, significantly improving crew connectivity, enabling real-time operational monitoring and faster support from shore teams.
“Beyond efficiency, digital tools help us manage the increasing complexity of environmental regulations and work more transparently with charterers. This will optimise operations and reduce the fleet’s environmental footprint.”
Responsible refinement
To meet the evolving demands of the maritime market, Socatra has been integrating advanced safety protocols with crew development initiatives. The transition to new propulsion systems and alternative fuels requires specialised expertise. Therefore, the company has implemented dedicated training programmes. This ensures crews are fully prepared to manage the new methanol dual-fuel vessels safely and efficiently.
“We maintain a structured management approach to guarantee quality standards,” commented Mr Bozzoni. “Quality and environmental performance are supported by internationally recognised standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. These help us manage our operational processes and drive continuous improvement. Additionally, we are actively involved in Green Marine Europe, which provides a rigorous framework to assess and improve our environmental and operational performance year after year.”
Sustainability is a key factor in Socatra’s recent investment strategy. The company’s newbuild programme includes four 50,000DWT methanol dual-fuel product tankers and three 8,000DWT methanol dual-fuel bitumen tankers. These vessels will help Socatra, and its clients, achieve new environmental targets in line with the green transition. As well as this, the company is retrofitting its existing fleet with innovative technologies to reduce emissions.
“The vessel Alcyone was retrofitted with two large Norsepower® rotor masts, generating fuel savings of more than nine per cent,” added Mr Bozzoni. “Additionally, our smallest tanker, Anthas, is equipped with a hybrid diesel/electric propulsion. By combining modern vessel design with data-driven performance monitoring, we are ensuring high levels of reliability, while proactively addressing the industry’s decarbonisation goals.”
Future focus
As the company continues to expand and improve its fleet, it will rely on its long-term relationships with partners and suppliers. By prioritising these relationships, Socatra ensures operational stability and a shared vision of quality and sustainability across its entire supply chain.
“Beyond strong ties with our historical clients, we have built lasting relationships with shipbrokers, insurers, insurance brokers, bankers, lawyers and more,” said Mr Bozzoni. “Many of these relationships have grown over three generations. Similarly, we have maintained long-term relationships with major shipbuilders and makers. Within all of these partnerships, we place trust and loyalty at the top of our values.”
Going forward, the company will continue to improve and invest in its operations. Socatra is committed to maintaining its entrepreneurial spirit whilst enhancing technical and environmental performance. The completion of the newbuild programme will not only expand Socatra’s fleet, but it will also prepare the company for the future of shipping. These vessels will allow Socatra to navigate the energy transition with reliable, sustainable technology.
“It is a very exciting time for us at Socatra,” continued Mr Bozzoni, in conclusion. “As we navigate the evolving global market, we are motivated by the prospect of inspiring the next generation of maritime professionals. By anticipating industry shifts and fostering a culture of innovation, we are aiming to remain at the forefront of the French shipping industry.”