Operations Specialist

The role is responsible for the end-to-end operational management of assigned vessels post-fixture, ensuring smooth and efficient voyage execution in compliance with charter party terms and maritime regulations. The position requires proactive communication with Masters, charterers, brokers, and other stakeholders to resolve operational issues in real time. The role also needs to support post-fixture commercial activities, while maintaining a strong focus on cost control and operational efficiency throughout the voyage lifecycle.

Job Scope and Responsibilities:

1. Voyage Execution & Monitoring

• Manage all post-fixture operational aspects of assigned vessels from voyage commencement to completion.
• Issue voyage instructions to the Master in accordance with charter party (C/P) terms and company SOPs.
• Monitor voyage progress through noon reports, ECA entries, and port call updates; provide timely updates to charterers, traders, and brokers.
• Track bunker consumption, port rotations, cargo operations, and ETAs to identify and mitigate delays or deviations.
• Follow up on Statement of Facts (SOF), laytime calculations, demurrage, and dispatch claims.

2. Port & Cargo Coordination

• Liaise with agents, terminals, port authorities, and surveyors to ensure smooth port operations.
• Coordinate cargo documentation, including B/Ls, cargo manifests, MSDS and shipping instructions).
• Ensure timely completion of pre-arrival formalities, terminal vetting, and compatibility checks.
• Handle notices of readiness (NOR), berthing arrangements, and loading/discharging coordination.

3. Compliance, Safety and Risk management

• Oversee vessel risk management, particularly regarding Bill of Lading issuance and release
• Ensure vessels operate in compliance with international maritime regulations.
• Coordinate tank inspections, cargo compatibility, and ensure adherence to terminal HSSE requirements.
• Monitor cargo heating, tank cleaning, cooling and nitrogen blanketing, and related processes when applicable.

4. Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain daily communication with Masters, charterers, brokers, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as first point of contact for all operational matters, providing real-time solutions.
• Update clients and internal departments on voyage status, performance, and any deviations from plan.

5. Post-Fixture Commercial Support

• Assist in calculating freight differentials, deviation claims, bunker adjustments, and demurrage.
• Submit and reconcile voyage-related invoices, including bunkers, port disbursements and agency fees.
• Support voyage P&L analysis and preparation of voyage performance reports.

6. Cost Control & Efficiency

• Monitor voyage-related expenses to ensure they remain within budget; identify cost-saving opportunities in bunkering, agency fees, and port costs.
• Coordinate efficient bunker stem planning in collaboration with the bunker desk.
• Minimize idle time, delays, and off-hire incidents through proactive management.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by management from time to time.

Requirements:

• Diploma or Degree in a relevant field; experience with chemical tanker operations is a plus.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in vessel operations, preferably in chemical, oil, or product tanker shipping.
• Strong knowledge of shipping operations, international trade, port operations, and chartering practices.
• Familiarity with shipping systems such as IMOS and DADESK is an advantage
• Able to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Proficient in both English and Mandarin (required for communication with Mandarin-speaking associates).
• Office-based position with occasional travel to ports, vessels, or client meetings.
• Must be available 24/7 via cellphone and committed to working beyond regular hours, including being on-call during critical voyage operations or emergencies.