Head of Docking & Projects

This position lead and oversee the dry-docking and major project activities (including retrofits) of all vessels, ensuring operations are executed safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. This role is responsible for standardizing the dry-docking process, ensuring alignment with industry best practices, managing vendor relationships, and driving continuous improvement across the fleet's docking programs.

The Challenges

Dry-Docking Execution & Planning

• Work closely with the Technical Department to ensure safe, high-quality, and timely dry-docking of vessels.
• Ensure vessel docking is planned at the most suitable and economical shipyards, balancing operational requirements, availability, and cost.
• Oversee alignment of dry-docking budgets across fleet groups, ensuring cost control and budget compliance.
• Monitors dry-dock timelines across the fleet and coordinate with GM (Technical), Fleet Managers, and Vessel Managers to ensure timely and complete preparation.
• Maintain updated records of vessel dry-docking schedules, ETA/ETD, progress, completion including Scrubber/BWTS retrofit activities, and associated costs.
• Work with Network and OPPC to ensure optimal scheduling of dry-docking.

Standardization & Process Improvement

• Drive the standardization of the dry-docking process across the organization, including development and alignment of dry-dock specifications.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance dry-docking efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize off-hire durations.

Vendor and Shipyard Management

• Liaise with shipyards, paint manufacturers, equipment makers, and service contractors to ensure timely and quality docking services at agreed performance and cost levels.
• Lead the sourcing, evaluation, and deployment of dry-docking service providers and technical assistants.
• Review dry dock specifications and obtain quotations from shortlisted shipyards; conduct technical and commercial comparisons and provide recommendations.
• Manage framework agreements with shipyards; ensure compliance with agreed rates, terms, and conditions.
• Regularly track and report on shipyard capacities, developments, and geographical restrictions impacting docking decisions.

Reporting & Documentation

• Ensure timely submission of dry-docking reports to management.
• Provide daily updates on docking progress, issues, and resolutions.
• Submit periodical reports on vessel distribution to shipyards, rebate utilization, Market trends and price movements, and KPI performance related to dry-docking.

Project Management

• Manage projects involving vessel R&D, optimization and upgrades.
• Develop project plans with defined goals, timelines, budgets, and key deliverables.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure requirements are captured and project objectives are aligned.
• Lead the execution of projects ensuring timely delivery within budget and to quality standards.
• Ensure documentation throughout the project lifecycle: project plans, risk registers, schedules, and status updates.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide technical guidance and oversight to attending Vessel Managers to ensure quality execution during dockings.
• Support knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination within the Fleet Management Team.
• Lead final invoice negotiations in consultation with Technical and Procurement Teams, ensuring alignment with budgets and contractual terms.

What It Takes

• BSc in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Marine, Naval Architecture/Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
• Seafaring experience as Chief Engineer or Master Mariner followed by Ship-Management and/or Shipyard management experience will be advantageous
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in ship management or shipyard.
• Must have carried out at least 5 dry docking of container ships as the project lead. Experience in docking ships in China will be advantageous.
• Experienced in budget preparation and control.
• Excellent communication skills
• Assertive and has excellent negotiation skills.