A leadership change is coming to one of the world's largest product tanker operators, with Hafnia CEO Mikael Skov set to step down on September 1, 2026, according to Splash247.
Skov has led the Oslo- and New York-listed company since its establishment in 2010, building it into a major product tanker owner and operator backed by BW Group. He became CEO of the listed entity in 2019 after the merger of Hafnia Tankers and BW Tankers. Before co-founding Hafnia, Skov spent 25 years at Danish product tanker owner Torm, including two years as its CEO.
Hafnia has appointed Søren Steenberg Jensen, executive vice president and head of asset management, as its next chief executive officer. Andreas Sohmen-Pao, chairman of Hafnia, said Jensen's long involvement in the company's strategy and culture made him a natural successor. Jensen has been part of Hafnia's executive management team, overseeing fleet strategy and ownership structure.
Skov is expected to join Hafnia's board of directors, subject to approval at an extraordinary general meeting. The planned transition is scheduled for September 1, 2026.
Implications for the Tanker Market
For freight forwarders and logistics managers relying on product tanker capacity, the change at the top of Hafnia signals a period of leadership transition at a key operator. However, the appointment of an internal candidate with deep knowledge of the company's fleet strategy suggests continuity in commercial direction. Skov's continued presence on the board could further stabilize the transition.
| Leadership Transition Timeline | Date |
|---|---|
| Skov steps down as CEO | September 1, 2026 |
| Søren Steenberg Jensen appointed CEO | September 1, 2026 |
| Skov's board appointment (subject to EGM) | Pending extraordinary general meeting |
The product tanker market, which Hafnia dominates, may see adjustments in chartering and asset allocation as the new CEO settles in. Shippers should monitor any updates to Hafnia's fleet deployment strategy under Jensen's leadership.
Watch list:
- Shareholder vote on Skov's board appointment at the extraordinary general meeting.
- Any strategic shifts in Hafnia's tanker fleet deployment or ownership structure under new CEO Søren Steenberg Jensen.
- Potential moves in the product tanker chartering market as Hafnia's leadership consolidates.
Sources:
