Stockholm | Daniel Gent, a prominent figure in maritime sustainability and energy transition, has announced his move to Soya Group to spearhead the company’s efforts in the shift toward low-carbon marine fuels.
Sharing the news, Gent emphasized his commitment to bridging the gap between industry intent and measurable climate impact. His appointment at Soya Group, parent company to Wallenius Marine and a major stakeholder in UECC, signals a new chapter for the group’s fuel strategy as it navigates the 2026 regulatory landscape.
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A Career Built on “Energy Realism”
Gent’s transition comes after an 18-year tenure with UECC, where he most recently served as Energy & Sustainability Manager. His career path reflects a rare combination of seafaring experience and high-level bunkering expertise, a dual perspective he describes as being an “Energy Realist and Environmental Idealist.”
A Career Rooted in Energy Realism: From his early days as a Deck Cadet at Maersk Line (2003) to trading at World Fuel Services (2005), Daniel Gent built a foundation of operational and market intelligence. This led to an 18-year legacy at UECC, first as Bunker Purchaser and later as Energy & Sustainability Manager, where he transformed the carrier’s fuel profile. He now brings this “impact-first” mindset to Soya Group (2026) to lead their Marine Fuels Transition.
From Intent to Impact: The Strategic Mission
In his new role, Gent will leverage Soya Group’s significant shipping interests and industry network to accelerate the deployment of sustainable fuels. He noted that Soya’s long-term commitment to maritime innovation, demonstrated through initiatives like the wind-powered Oceanbird and the energy-efficient Sleipner concept, was a key motivator for the move.
“My focus will be on accelerating the development and deployment of low-carbon fuels and building practical pathways that help the industry move from intent to impact.” Daniel Gent Stated
Legacy of Innovation at UECC
Gent’s work at UECC serves as a blueprint for what he aims to achieve at the group level. During his leadership, UECC became a “first-mover” in several critical bunkering sectors:
- The “Sail for Change” Program: An innovative commercial product allowing cargo owners to proactively pay for emission reductions via Bio-LNG and Biofuel.
- Bio-LNG Integration: Scaling up the use of Liquefied Biomethane (LBM) at major hubs like Zeebrugge.
- Trialing CNSL Fuels: Leading recent trials for Cashew Nut Shell Liquid-based biofuels as a cost-effective alternative to traditional distillates.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
Gent joins Soya Group at a critical juncture for the bunkering industry. With the EU ETS now entering its second phase of increased stringency and FuelEU Maritime setting new standards for GHG intensity, his role will be vital in ensuring that Soya Group’s fleet remains at the forefront of the energy transition.
By integrating fuel strategy with Wallenius Marine’s “upstream” vessel designs, Gent aims to create a unified approach to zero-emission shipping that balances commercial viability with environmental necessity.
About Soya Group: A Century of Upstream Innovation
Founded in 1934 by Olof Wallenius, the Soya Group has evolved from a single shipping company, named after its first cargo of soybean oil, into a diversified global conglomerate. Today, the group is a leader in sustainable development, guided by a “pioneering spirit” and a commitment to solving environmental challenges at their source.
Core Business Areas
The group’s portfolio spans several critical industries, all united by a long-term approach to social and environmental responsibility:
- Shipping & Maritime: Home to Wallenius Lines and Wallenius Marine, the group is a dominant force in the Ro-Ro and car carrier sectors. It holds significant interests in global networks including UECC, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, and WALLENIUS SOL.
- Sustainable Technology: A frontrunner in green propulsion, the group is the visionary behind the Oceanbird wind-power concept and the energy-efficient Sleipner vessel series.
- Real Estate: Through Wallfast and Hässelby Hem, the group is one of Stockholm’s largest private property owners, focusing on sustainable urban development and timber-structured housing.
- Agriculture & Stud Farms: Menhammar Stuteri and Menhammar Gård represent some of Europe’s most successful equestrian and trotting operations, integrated with regenerative farming and biodiversity initiatives.
- Water Innovation: Wallenius Water Innovation provides chemical-free UV water purification solutions for industrial and aquaculture applications.
The “Soya Way”
Soya Group operates on the principle of “Upstream Solutions,” an ideology that prioritizes innovation during the design phase to prevent environmental issues before they occur. With over 1,000 employees across Europe and Asia, the family-owned group continues to push the boundaries of maritime technology, aiming to lead the world toward truly zero-emission shipping.
Source: Soya Group | Daniel Gent