An Interview with Juanjo Llorente, Regional Sales Manager, Spain
With over 24 years of experience in the Spanish logistics sector, Juanjo Llorente is now leading Stolt Tank Containers (STC) in Spain. In this interview, he shares his insights on industry trends, STC's strategic direction, and its commitment to sustainable growth and customer service.
Can you tell us about your background and how your journey led you to Stolt Tank Containers?
I began my career at Noatum Maritime, Stolt’s agent in Spain, working as a Customer Service Representative in our southern offices. Over time, I transitioned into commercial roles, and for 14 years, I was responsible for STC’s account within the Noatum Group, serving as Line Manager for various shipping lines. In recent years, my focus has been specifically on Stolt Tank Containers in Spain. Now, I’ve joined STC directly as Regional Sales Manager for Spain.
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed a shift in industry priorities. In the past, safety, environmental impact, and product preservation were often secondary concerns. Today, these factors have become central to Isotank logistics, evolving into key value drivers and competitive differentiators. This shift reflects broader changes in customer expectations and the market’s commitment to responsible logistics.
How do customer requirements differ between the chemical and food industries, and how does this influence the market in Spain?
The chemical and food industries have distinct operational focuses. In the chemical sector, there is a strong emphasis on safety protocols and environmental considerations, with clients prioritising the secure transport of hazardous materials and minimising their carbon footprint.
Food-grade customers, meanwhile, place particular importance on preserving product integrity and hygiene throughout the logistics chain. While safety and environmental factors remain essential in both sectors, the specific requirements and sensitivities differ.
These nuances shape our approach in Spain, where we tailor solutions to align with the priorities of each sector—whether that means enhanced product protection for food-grade cargo or robust compliance and sustainability measures for chemical shipments.
What are the most significant challenges and opportunities for STC in Spain?
One of our main challenges is strengthening STC’s brand presence in Spain. We aim to be recognised not just for our equipment, but as a trusted reference in the liquid bulk sector—providing peace of mind through our expert handling of cargo.
There’s also a clear opportunity as businesses increasingly transition from flexibags to tank containers. This shift is no longer solely driven by cost-effectiveness—it’s also about improving safety, product quality, and overall reliability. We’ve actively supported this transition through hands-on initiatives, such as our recent on-site demonstration using a dedicated demo tank in Spain. These demonstrations have proven valuable in showing customers the practical benefits of isotanks, particularly in terms of secure handling, cargo preservation, and environmental performance.
How is STC ensuring a smooth transition in logistics, availability, and operational efficiency, and what strategic priorities are guiding your expansion in Spain?
Operating one of the world’s largest Isotank fleets gives us extensive reach, but size alone isn’t enough. Our true strength lies in our ability to access markets others cannot, and in our close collaboration with clients to co-develop strategic, high-quality solutions.
We work closely with our network of agents, carriers, cleaning stations, and depots to ensure alignment with the high standards expected by our customers. This approach enables us to deliver consistent, seamless service across the region.
Strategically, we’re focused on sustainable growth. We know that transitioning to isotanks may not be immediate for every customer, but it is the most responsible and long-term solution. Our goal is to be more than a logistics provider—we want our clients to feel complete peace of mind, knowing their cargo is in expert hands so they can focus on their core business.
Are there any upcoming investments or partnerships to enhance STC’s operations in Spain?
We’re constantly investing in growth and strengthening our strategic partnerships. Our commitment is to continuously enhance the customer experience and expand our solutions in line with the evolving logistics landscape in Spain. We remain open to new opportunities for collaboration that can further improve our services.
How would you sum up your vision for STC in Spain in three words?
Strength. Safety. Trust. These are the pillars of our operations—strength through our global network, safety in every process, and trust from our customers who rely on us daily.
What message would you like to convey to your customers in Spain?
We’re here for the long term, fully committed to supporting your logistics needs. STC is not only global—we are also local and accessible. We offer tailored solutions and responsive service, with a team that understands the local market. Our customers can rely on us for both expertise and peace of mind.
