Vessel Container Operator (Dry Bulk)

Overview

About the Role

Responsibilities

• **Voyage Execution (Post‑Fixture):**
• Oversee day‑to‑day operational performance of assigned vessels, ensuring compliance with voyage instructions, charter party terms, and commercial requirements.
• Coordinate closely with charterers, brokers, ship managers, masters, terminals, and port agents to ensure smooth execution and timely issue resolution.
• Track vessel speed, consumption, bunker status, and weather conditions at sea; monitor loading and discharging progress at port based on vessel/agents’ reports.
• Maintain and update voyage/port call records (ETA/ETB/ETC, notices, statements) in the company’s operations system.
• **Cargo Operations (Container / Dry Bulk):**
• Monitor and supervise cargo handling activities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations at load and discharge ports.
• Review and validate stowage plans, lashing/securing arrangements, DG/IMDG documentation, and reefer requirements for container voyages.
• For dry bulk voyages, review hold cleaning schedules, cargo suitability/readiness, and terminal/port requirements; coordinate draft surveys and other surveyor attendance as applicable.
• Coordinate pre‑loading surveys (e.g., steel and other high‑value cargoes) to mitigate operational and commercial risks.
• **Commercial Performance, Claims & Disputes:**
• Prepare hire and freight invoices where applicable; calculate laytime and manage timely settlement of demurrage/dispatch claims.
• Handle charter party disputes (e.g., underperformance claims) with minimal supervision, escalating complex matters when required.
• Liaise with P&I Clubs, correspondents, and insurers on claims, incidents, and operational matters requiring survey involvement.
• Track and report voyage performance (including key drivers and variances) and support post‑voyage reviews and improvement actions.
• **Cost Control & Financial Administration:**
• Monitor and control voyage‑related costs (fuel, port charges, stevedoring, surveys, claims handling, demurrage/dispatch as applicable) and ensure adherence to budgets.

Qualifications

• **Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in dry bulk operations and/or container operations, ideally within a ship‑owning or ship‑operating company.**
• Strong understanding of charter party terms, voyage operations, laytime, and commercial practices relevant to container/dry bulk trades.
• Proven ability to independently manage voyage performance, claims, and operational challenges; able to escalate complex matters appropriately.
• Proficiency in voyage management/operations systems like IMOS/DANOS and MS Office applications; comfortable maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Sailing experience is an advantage (not mandatory)

Required Skills

• Ability to operate in fast-paced, time sensitive, result driven environments
• Efficient at executing
• Presentation and reporting skills for commercial reports
• Strong communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Accountability and ownership mindset
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Commercially aware
• Focus on detail
• Strong attention to detail