Key Responsibilities:

1. Voyage and Vessel Management

Voyage Planning & Execution: Issue clear and comprehensive voyage orders in strict accordance with Charter Party (CP) terms. Manage the entire operational lifecycle of each voyage from vessel nomination through to redelivery.

Schedule & Performance Monitoring: Continuously track vessel positions, speed, bunker consumption, and port arrival/departure schedules (ETA/ETD). Proactively identify and resolve delays caused by weather, port congestion, or other operational disruptions.

Port & Agency Coordination: Select, appoint, and direct port agents to negotiate competitive fees, secure berthing slots, and coordinate all port call activities. Drive operational efficiency to minimize vessel turnaround time.

Vessel Optimization: Utilize weather routing services and performance analysis tools to optimize sailing routes. Prepare post-voyage performance reports and initiate claims for vessel underperformance against owners where applicable.

Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the primary operational point of contact between the vessel's Master, charterers, ship owners, port agents, and internal commercial and finance teams. Provide timely, accurate updates on all vessel movements and operational status.

2. Maintenance & Repair (M&R) Oversight

Vessel & Equipment Maintenance: Coordinate and oversee maintenance and repair activities for the vessel and its operational equipment (e.g., cranes, pumps, reefer units). Ensure scheduled preventive maintenance is carried out in compliance with OEM recommendations and company policies to minimize downtime.

Repair Coordination: Manage the end-to-end repair process, from identifying issues (via vessel reports or depot inspections) to coordinating with repair vendors, shipyards, and port agents for timely execution during port calls. This includes overseeing repairs for container damage, stevedore damage, and vessel breakdowns.

Cost & Quality Control: Approve repair estimates, negotiate costs with vendors, and conduct quality checks on completed work to ensure standards are met. Manage the M&R budget and ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising safety or quality.

Vendor & Depot Management: Liaise with container depots, repair yards, and equipment suppliers. Conduct physical inspections at depots to follow up on repair status and ensure operational standards are maintained.

Fleet Condition Monitoring: Maintain accurate records of all M&R activities, inspections, and equipment condition. Monitor the lifecycle of containers and vessel equipment to recommend replacements or upgrades when cost-effective.

3. Cargo Operations & DG Monitoring

Stowage & Cargo Planning: Review, approve, and finalize stowage plans to maximize cargo intake while ensuring vessel stability, safety, and compliance with all port-specific restrictions and cargo-type requirements (e.g., dry bulk, breakbulk, or project cargo).

Dangerous Goods (DG) Oversight: Take full operational responsibility for the safe carriage of Dangerous Goods cargoes. Monitor DG cargo units throughout the voyage, ensuring all handling, stowage, and segregation procedures comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and all applicable safety regulations. Liaise with the vessel's Master to confirm DG compatibility and emergency response protocols.

Operational Risk Management: Identify and mitigate operational risks related to cargo handling, DG segregation, and port-specific restrictions. Resolve on-the-ground operational issues such as cargo contamination, discharge difficulties, or equipment failures.

4. Inventory Control & Supply Chain Coordination

Inventory Monitoring: Track and monitor cargo inventory levels, stock movements, and intake/output volumes in real-time. Maintain accurate operational records of cargo quantities loaded, discharged, and remaining on board.

Variance Analysis: Conduct regular reconciliations between planned and actual cargo figures. Investigate and resolve any discrepancies or stock variances, reporting findings to management.

Demand Alignment: Collaborate with commercial and supply chain teams to align vessel scheduling and cargo availability with demand forecasts. Ensure optimal stock levels to prevent stockouts, overstock situations, or costly last-minute operational changes.

Operational Reporting: Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports covering vessel performance, cargo status, inventory positions, M&R activities, and any significant operational incidents.

5. Commercial & Financial Oversight (Operational Side)

Laytime & Demurrage Management: Accurately track and calculate laytime used at load and discharge ports. Proactively manage operations to minimize demurrage exposure and maximize dispatch earnings. Provide timely operational data to the finance team for final claims.

Cost Control: Monitor, verify, and approve all operational costs incurred during the voyage, including port charges, pilotage, tugboat services, bunkering expenses, and M&R costs. Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or efficiency.

Budget Adherence: Ensure all voyage-related expenditures stay within approved operational budgets and escalate any significant cost overruns to management.

6. Compliance & Safety

Regulatory Adherence: Ensure all vessel and cargo operations comply with company safety procedures, international maritime regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, IMDG Code), and the legal requirements of all ports and flag states involved.

Incident Response: Act as an operational point of contact during emergencies or incidents, coordinating with the vessel's Master, company safety teams, and relevant authorities to ensure a swift and effective response.