“It is better for the management of the company that the owner controls the company through the board rather than as managing director," said Chairperson Thorild Widvey, who is one of three to leave.

The other two members are Hans den Bieman and Eldbjorg Gui Standal.

Widvey told IntraFish that the discussion in Morpol board has "been going on for a while."

She would not comment on how long and did not comment on whether the departure of Steven Rafferty as CFO had anything to do with this.

Den