Drydock Manager

Seaspan Corporation; Mumbai City; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Seaspan Corporation in Mumbai seeks a Senior Drydock & Repair Project Manager to lead end-to-end planning, execution and budget control for vessel drydockings across a global fleet. You will coordinate with Shipyards, classification societies, and vessel managers to deliver safe, on-time and cost-effective retrofits and major repairs.

The role requires 5–8 years in ship management or shipyard projects, a Marine Engineering or Naval Architecture background, and strong ERP/project management

Qualifications

• Proficiency in drydock management software and ERP systems.
• Strong project management skills with a focus on cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end drydock planning and execution for a global fleet.
• Coordinate with shipyards, vendors, and class societies to ensure safety, quality and on-time delivery.
• Monitor budgets, perform cost analysis, and support final invoicing and cost optimization.

Skills

Drydock Management

ERP Systems

Project Management

Data-Driven Decision Making

Standardization & Process Improvement

Education

Marine Engineering

Naval Architecture

Tools

Drydock Software

Job description

Job Description:

Seaspan employees are goal-driven and thrive in a high-performance culture. Our integrated business model, with over 25 years of fleet life-cycle management expertise, provides the world’s major shipping companies with long-term leases on large, modern and technologically advanced vessels, combined with industry-leading ship management services. As owner and operator of the vessels, we provide skilled officers and crews dedicated to the safe, reliable, and economical operation of our fleet.Seaspans fleet has evolved over time to meet the varying needs of our customer base. We own vessels in a wide range of sizes, from 2,500 TEU to 24,000 TEU. Our main operating offices are located in Singapore, Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Mumbai.

Position Description

This position is responsible for the end-to-end planning, execution, and financial oversight of vessel drydocking and major repairs including unplanned and retrofits across a global fleet. The position serves as the primary technical link between the company, shipyards, and classification societies to ensure the dry-dock projects are delivered safely and on schedule.

Job Responsibilities

• Is familiar with the Health, Safety, Environmental Protection and Quality Policy (PL-005), and understands the responsibilities under the Environmental Management System (EMS). In keeping with this and other compliance policies, they understand their duty to report any environmental noncompliance and/or concern to their manager or members of the senior management team (including the highest level of management) either directly or through the open reporting system as per Management System guidelines.
• Project Planning & Preparation: Lead the pre-planning phase, including pre-docking inspections, developing detailed technical specifications (standard and non-standard), and coordinating with vessels and vessel managers to identify specific repair needs. Making sure Seaspan vessels are docked at the most suitable and economical shipyard, at the most appropriate time and in the most cost-effective manner. Liaising with the vessel to order spares and stores prior docking in a timely manner. Liaising with the procurement team and local agency to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of spares required for project execution.
• Shipyard & Vendor Management: Review shipyard quotations for accuracy & include missing items in the bid sheet, conduct cost/availability comparisons, and provide recommendations. Manage relationships with paint suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers.
• On-site Supervision: With the support of Vessel Managers, oversee all stages of drydock execution at the shipyard to ensure high-quality workmanship, adherence to timelines & budgets, and compliance with safety and environmental standards (QSHE). Assist Vessel manager in resolving operational issues to minimize downtime and delays
• Financial Control: Along with the Vessel Manager, manage the overall repair budget, monitor project expenses in real-time, and lead final invoice negotiations with the shipyard to identify cost-optimization opportunities. Variations in docking scope to be documented and approvals sought from relevant stakeholders. Ensure Maximum value from allocated Dry-dock budgets and costs saving potentials are harvested. Preparing 5-year CAPEX rolling budget forecast for the fleet with Vessel Managers. Analyze docking costs and invoices to identify cost optimization opportunities. Follow up with service vendors for any variation in repair cost.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all work meets the requirements of classification societies, flag states, and international maritime regulations.
• Process Improvement: Improve and maintain standardized drydock procedures, software, and databases to track historical costs and performance metrics in line with industry-wide best practices.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Maintain dry-dock records, inspection reports, and repair logs
  • Ensure document control and compliance with audit requirements

Requirements

• Education: Degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Professional Experience:
  • Minimum 5-8 years of experience in ship management, superintendency, or shipyard project management.
  • Proven track record of managing large-scale drydocking projects and retrofits.
  • Sailing experience as a Senior Engineer (e.g., 2nd Engineer or higher) is preferred.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in drydock management software, ERP systems, and project management tools. Technologically driven, comfortable working in a digital environment, logical process development.
  • Leveraging data and system functionality to improve decision-making and operational performance.
  • Focus on standardization, continuous improvement, and workflow optimization across technical and operational activities.

Core Competencies

• Project Management: Ability to manage complex, multi-million-dollar projects under tight deadlines.
• Negotiation: Assertive skills for handling shipyard contracts and final settlements.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams, including fleet operations, marine assurance, procurement, and accounts.
• Mobility: Readiness for frequent international travel on short notice and ability to conduct physical vessel inspections.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Drydocking Planning Performance: Percentage deviation from planned costs and duration.
• Budget Alignment: Preparing competitive budget. Total project spend versus allocated budget.
• Vessel Turnaround Time: Minimizing downtime and ensuring on-time or before-time delivery from the yard.
• Safety & Quality: Number of health, safety, and environment (HSE) incidents or quality findings during the project.
• Corrective Actions & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrates management commitment to continual improvement

Seaspan Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We thank all applicants in advance. If your application is shortlisted to be included in the interview process, one of our team will be in contact with you.