Last year I applied through the company's crewing office. I had experience in the position and good English, but after a month I was told that the company did not normally hire chief engineers from other companies. I was not invited to an interview or asked to take any tests.
In my experience, safety standards on board are very high. The food and provisions are average. Pay is slightly above the market, salaries have increased by about 3% each year over the last three years, and contracts are currently four months, with a possible reduction to three. Promotion is based on a queue, although strong performance reports or personal recommendations can sometimes help a good specialist advance sooner. Travel expenses and document-related costs are reimbursed.
I worked for Stolt from cadet to third officer and completed six contracts on their vessels. The company is one of the best among chemical tanker operators, and the experience provides a strong foundation for working elsewhere. However, career progression is very slow and the promotion process is not always clear, so I would not recommend building an entire career there.
I worked on a Stolt vessel for one contract. The smell of chemicals was constant and breathing was difficult. During tank cleaning, contaminated wash water was discharged overboard while the distiller was operating, and seawater from that side was then used to produce fresh water for the crew. I would not return to the company.
I have been working on this type of chemical tanker for five years, and everything has been fine so far.
I worked there for two contracts. Chemical smells were present, as they are on chemical tankers, mainly in port or during tank cleaning.
I have been working with Stolt for seven years. I have never had direct contact with the cargo, including hazardous cargo; sometimes you would not even know what was on board without reading the cargo list or asking the chief officer. We once loaded a small amount of olive oil on deck.