He takes over the position from Per Sylvester Jensen who quit as chief executive last month due to serious illness in his family.

Eitzen said Jensen will remain at the company’s disposal until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition process.

The Oslo-listed shipowner said Gronning brings significant chemical tanker experience to the position given his past leadership roles.

He recently stood down as chief executive of Dubai-based United Arab Chemical Carriers where he held the position from 2008 to 2013.

Prior to that, he was with the Eitzen Group for seven years, where he ended his tenure as chief operating officer of Eitzen Chemical. 

“Jens Gronning brings over 20 years of commercial and managerial experience and expertise to Eitzen Chemical,” said chairman Aage Figenschou.

“He is well acquainted with the line of business we are in and with the company in general,” he added.

Gronning was also recently appointed as an advisor to the board of shipping and energy focused hedge fund Tufton Oceanic.