Finnish shipowner Meriaura Group has pressed its chairman into service as its new chief executive after Kirsi Suopelto resigned.
The group, which also has clean energy interests, said Suopelto is joining another employer, which it did not name.
She will continue as Meriaura’s CEO until 30 September.
The board has appointed chairman Jussi Malkia to take over from 1 October.
Vice chairman Antti Vehvilainen will be the new chairman.
Suopelto has spent 16 months in the role, having joined from solar power company Savosolar.
Meriaura was taken over by VG Shipping and Savosolar in 2022, and Suopelto oversaw the continuing combination of the companies.
“We thank Kirsi for her work in overseeing the integration process of Meriaura Group and wish her success in her new challenges,” Malkia said.
“Now it is time to focus on business development, growth, and improving profitability.
“I see that Meriaura Group has excellent opportunities to implement green transition innovations on a large scale, and I intend to invest all my expertise into this work.”
Meriaura operates 12 general cargo, heavylift, ro-ro and multipurpose ships.
New order
The marine business includes VG EcoFuel, which produces biofuels from bio-oils and recycled oils generated as industrial by-products.
In April, Meriaura ordered two biofuel-powered cargo vessels.
The 6,750-dwt, 105-metre Ecotrader ships are due from Dutch Royal Bodewes in January and December 2026.
No price was given for the ice-class 1A pair.
In 2022, the company said it was working with Finnish technology giant Wartsila and fuel provider Green NortH2 Energy on an ammonia-powered cargo vessel.
Full operations with ammonia were planned for 2026.
