Lead Cruise Ship HVAC Superintendent (Newbuild)

D2m Services; Saint-Nazaire; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

D2m Services is seeking an experienced HVAC Superintendent to support a major cruise ship newbuilding programme. You will oversee installation, inspection and testing of HVAC and refrigeration systems on board, ensuring compliance with drawings and project requirements.

Based in Saint-Nazaire, you will work closely with shipyard teams and suppliers to ensure successful integration, testing and commissioning of HVAC systems throughout construction.

Qualifications

• Must have degree or technical qualification in HVAC Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Marine Engineering.
• Proven experience supervising HVAC installations on cruise ship newbuilding projects.
• Hands-on supervision of installation, inspection and commissioning activities on board.

Responsibilities

• Supervise HVAC installation activities on board cruise ships during newbuilding.
• Monitor installation of ventilation and air-conditioning systems including AHUs, chillers, FCUs, ductwork and controls.
• Verify installations comply with drawings, specifications, classification requirements and regulations.
• Inspect HVAC equipment, ducting, piping, insulation and components for quality and accessibility.
• Identify issues and coordinate corrective actions with shipyard teams, suppliers and engineering.
• Conduct onboard inspections and monitor installation quality during construction.
• Coordinate HVAC inspections, functional tests, balancing activities and commissioning procedures.
• Participate in FATs and track defects through resolution.
• Support quay and sea trials ensuring HVAC performance meets requirements.
• Coordinate with shipyard teams, subcontractors and equipment manufacturers.

Skills

Organisational skills

Coordination

Communication

Problem solving

Education

HVAC Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Marine Engineering degree

Job description

As part of a major cruise ship newbuilding programme, we are looking for an experienced HVAC Superintendent to support our client’s newbuilding project teams during the construction of next-generation cruise vessels.

You will oversee the installation, inspection and testing of HVAC and refrigeration systems on board, ensuring compliance with approved drawings, technical specifications, quality standards and project requirements.

Working closely with shipyard production teams, subcontractors, equipment suppliers and engineering teams, you will contribute to the successful integration, testing and commissioning of HVAC systems throughout the construction process.

Your responsibilities

HVAC Systems Supervision & Installation

• Supervise HVAC installation activities on board cruise ships during newbuilding.
• Monitor the installation of ventilation and air-conditioning systems, including air handling units, chillers, fan coil units, fans, ductwork, dampers, piping and associated control systems.
• Verify that installations comply with approved drawings, contractual specifications, classification requirements and applicable regulations.
• Inspect HVAC equipment, ducting, piping, insulation and associated components to ensure installation quality and accessibility for maintenance.
• Identify technical issues and coordinate corrective actions with shipyard teams, suppliers and engineering departments.
  

Quality Control, Testing & Commissioning

• Conduct onboard inspections and monitor installation quality throughout the construction process.
• Coordinate and follow up on HVAC inspections, functional tests, balancing activities and commissioning procedures.
• Participate in equipment inspections and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), where required.
• Track technical remarks, defects and non-conformities through to resolution.
• Support quay and sea trials, ensuring that HVAC systems meet the specified performance and operational requirements.
  

Shipyard Coordination & Project Delivery

• Coordinate HVAC-related activities with shipyard teams, subcontractors and equipment manufacturers.
• Monitor installation progress against project milestones and identify potential delays or technical constraints.
• Participate in technical meetings and provide regular progress reports to the project team.
• Coordinate interfaces with other disciplines, including machinery, piping, electrical systems and automation.
• Ensure that construction and commissioning activities comply with approved project documentation and quality requirements.

• Degree or technical qualification in HVAC Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven experience supervising HVAC installations on cruise ship newbuilding projects.
• Hands-on experience in a major shipyard environment, overseeing installation, inspection and commissioning activities on board.
• Experience coordinating subcontractors, equipment suppliers and shipyard production teams.
• A background in large passenger vessels or complex cruise ship construction projects is strongly preferred.
  

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of marine HVAC and refrigeration systems, including ventilation, air distribution, chillers, air handling units, fan coil units, ductwork and associated controls.
• Ability to read and interpret HVAC drawings, technical specifications and equipment documentation.
• Experience with HVAC inspection, testing, commissioning and performance verification.
• Familiarity with classification society requirements, applicable marine regulations and shipyard quality procedures.
• Ability to identify installation defects, resolve technical issues and follow up on outstanding items through to closure.
  
  

Personal Skills

• Strong organisational and coordination skills.
• A practical, hands-on approach to site supervision and technical problem-solving.
• Ability to manage multiple activities in a demanding shipbuilding environment.
• Clear communication skills and professional proficiency in English.

• 6-month assignment, with the possibility of a 6-month extension.
• Position based in Saint-Nazaire.
• Starting January 2027