Vessel Performance Head

**Job Overview**

The Vessel Performance Head ensures optimal operational efficiency of chartered vessels within across ISC. This role includes speed monitoring, scheduling periodic hull cleaning or minor repairs (in alignment with external vessel owners), and coordinating with vessel masters on daily performance logs (bunker consumption, mechanical health). The Head also manages vessel contracting and compliance checks for third-party charter agreements, ensuring each vessel meets the commercial and safety standards demanded by route schedules and cost structures.

**Responsibilities**:
**Daily Vessel Performance Management**

**1.1 Vessel Speed and Bunker Consumption Monitoring**
- Ensure the bunkering plan aligns with voyage speeds set by the trade or Network Operations team, minimizing bunker wastage or shortage.
- Access and interpret VRM (Vessel Report Manager) data logs to confirm actual speeds match or fall within planned speed profiles (slow steaming vs. standard).
- Track daily bunker consumption rates (HFO, MGO, or LSFO) for each vessel, identifying unexpected spikes or anomalies that might indicate hull fouling, mechanical drag, or operational inefficiencies.Compare actual consumption vs. contractual speed/bunker clauses, highlighting potential cost liabilities or performance shortfalls to the Network Head - East.

**1.2 Hull Cleaning and Minor Repair Oversight**
- Conduct or arrange periodic "hull condition" checks-pulling inspection data from owners or classification societies-to confirm no structural or machinery concerns hamper performance.
- Evaluate hull performance metrics (speed/fuel ratio, hull fouling indexes) to determine hull cleaning intervals under the charter agreement-coordinating with vessel owners or external cleaning vendors.
- Coordinate any special docking or afloat repairs needed for major performance hits, especially if the route faces critical cargo demands.
- Liaise with dockyards or afloat cleaning service providers, scheduling mínimal-disruption cleaning (e.g., between voyages or during port layovers) to preserve route timeliness.
- Oversee external vessel maintenance relevant to performance, including that planned yard visits or external repairs do not conflict with route commitments, and vessel speed or mechanical performance returns to expected thresholds after repairs and maintenance.Verify the quality of propeller polishing, antifouling coatings, or minor underwater repairs, ensuring subsequent fuel consumption improvements align with expectations.

**Liaison with Vessel Masters**
- Maintain direct communication lines with masters to discuss daily speed targets, any constraints (weather, port congestion), and real-time mechanical health.
- Provide performance guidance (e.g., adjusting speed for bunker savings, scheduling any needed mid-voyage checks) while respecting the master's authority for maritime safety.Gather additional onboard data (e.g., from the noon reports, daily movement logs) that might not appear in VRM or standard digital systems, reconciling it with planned route performance.

**Charter Contract and Vessel Scheduling**
- Study the charter party contracts for each vessel: speed warranties, permissible bunker consumption range, performance bonus/penalty structures, etc., and confirm whether the vessel is meeting those contractual KPis to institute corrective actions with the owners, wherever required.
- Provide real-time updates if a vessel must reduce speed due to mechanical constraints or adverse weather, so the route schedule can be recalibrated, or cargo acceptance may be limited.
- Collaborate to ensure vessel speed adjustments (e.g., slow steaming for cost savings) do not jeopardize route timetables or port berthing windows.
- Monitor each vessel's on-time arrival rate, bridging any repeated tardiness to short-term fix (adjust speed, revise bunkering strategy) or longer-term solution (owner's maintenance compliance).Align with the Documentation team if vessel performance or mechanical changes require updated shipping docs or disclaimers (e.g., if a vessel's speed change affects cargo cutoffs).

**Requirements and Qualifications**
- Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies or related field
- 2-3 years’ experience in performance management
- Experience as a Master Mariner is preferred
- Strong understanding of container networks and their requirements
- Self-motivated with a strong analytical mindset