Seascale Energy co-CEO Olivier Josse will retire from Cargill on December 14, 2026, concluding a distinguished 36-year career with the global commodity leader. Gaetan Perret, currently heading Western marine fuel procurement, will step up to succeed Josse as Vice President of Marine Fuels and co-CEO, partnering alongside Peter Grünwaldt. The transition maintains complete operational and structural continuity for the joint venture, which procures roughly 8 million metric tons of marine fuel annually across major global maritime hubs.
Singapore | September 21, 2026 – Seascale Energy, the heavyweight marine fuel procurement joint venture between Cargill’s Ocean Transportation business and Hafnia, has announced a major leadership transition. Co-Chief Executive Officer Olivier Josse is set to retire from Cargill on December 14, 2026, concluding an illustrious 36-year tenure with the global commodity giant.
Gaetan Perret, currently serving as Head of Marine Fuel Procurement (West), will step up to succeed Josse. Effective December 14, 2026, Perret will assume the roles of Vice President, Marine Fuels at Cargill and co-CEO of Seascale Energy, joining fellow co-CEO Peter Grünwaldt at the helm.
A Legacy of Leadership in Maritime Trading
Olivier Josse (“OJ”) joined Cargill in 1990, embarking on a multi-decade career that spanned various trading and chartering divisions. He transitioned into Cargill’s Ocean Transportation business in 2006, earning a seat on its leadership team in 2010.
A pivotal figure in the modern bunkering landscape, Josse spearheaded the creation of Seascale Energy in 2025, guiding the joint venture from its inception and serving as its inaugural co-CEO.
“Olivier Josse has spent 36 years building businesses and developing people at Cargill, most recently through Seascale Energy,” said Jan Dieleman, President of Cargill’s Ocean Transportation business. “He leaves the platform in a strong position and with a successor who helped build it. Gaetan knows this market, knows our customers and knows what Seascale was set up to do.”
Reflecting on his departure, Olivier Josse, co-CEO of Seascale Energy, expressed deep confidence in the trajectory of the venture he co-founded.
“Seascale was built to give the market scale and transparency, and that remains the job,” Josse noted. “After 36 years, the timing is right for me personally. The volumes, the membership and the pipeline all point in the same positive direction, and as a co-founder, I would not be stepping back at this time if I thought otherwise. It is now time for my close colleague Gaetan Perret to take on the baton.”
Seamless Continuity and Strategic Vision
Launched in May 2025 by Cargill’s Pure Marine Fuels and the Hafnia Bunker Alliance, Seascale Energy has quickly established itself as a dominant market force. Operating out of key global maritime hubs, Singapore, Copenhagen, Geneva, and Houston, the platform procures roughly 8 million metric tons of marine fuel annually for more than 50 third-party members.
Peter Grünwaldt, co-CEO of Seascale Energy, praised his outgoing partner while welcoming the incoming leadership.
“Olivier Josse and I started this venture together with an amazing team, and I am grateful for his partnership and friendship,” said Grünwaldt. “Customers and suppliers will see absolute continuity: the same team, the same model, and the same commercial terms, supported by a thorough handover running through December. I also congratulate Gaetan on his upcoming appointment and look forward to working more closely with him as my counterpart.”
Company officials confirmed that Seascale Energy remains equally owned by Cargill and Hafnia, with its core governance, dual-CEO structure, and board composition remaining entirely unchanged.
Meet the Incoming Co-CEO: Gaetan Perret
Gaetan Perret brings more than 20 years of deep industry experience spanning shipping, commodities trading, and bunkering to the role. Having played an instrumental role in building Cargill’s Pure Marine Fuels business and the subsequent establishment of Seascale Energy, Perret is uniquely positioned to steer the joint venture into its next chapter of growth.
As the marine fuel sector continues to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and shifting energy demands, Perret’s extensive operational background in the Western bunkering markets is expected to ensure uninterrupted momentum for Seascale’s expanding global membership base.
Seascale Energy: Powering Progress in Marine Energy
Seascale Energy is a dynamic force in the marine fuel landscape, born from the strategic union of two global maritime leaders: Cargill’s Ocean Transportation business and Hafnia. As a joint venture, it integrates Cargill’s Pure Marine Fuels and Hafnia’s Bunker Alliance to redefine the global standards of fuel sourcing, procurement, and delivery.
The organization is dedicated to delivering unparalleled cost efficiencies and transparency through consolidated purchasing volumes and an expansive global port network. Leveraging the trading strength and operational excellence of its parent companies, Seascale Energy provides shipowners and charterers with data-driven insights and expert guidance on complex fuel regulations. Led by Co-CEOs Olivier Josse and Peter Grünwaldt, the company operates with a global team across Singapore, Geneva, Copenhagen, and Houston, focusing on reducing costs and accelerating the industry’s path toward decarbonization.
Source: Seascale Energy