General Manager

Apeejay Shipping Limited; Kolkata District; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Apeejay Shipping Limited is seeking a General Manager - Chartering to lead the Dry Bulk chartering and commercial functions, ensuring optimum vessel employment and competitive chartering revenue. The role focuses on minimizing downtime, managing Charter Party terms, and developing new business opportunities across the Chennai–Kolkata corridor and beyond with strong relationships to charterers and brokers.

The ideal candidate brings 10–15 years of shore-based chartering experience, exposure to

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in chartering or related maritime roles.
• Preferred shore-based chartering experience in bulk carriers; containers exposure is a plus.
• Sailing exposure as Chief Mate/Master is advantageous.
• Strong focus on vessel employment, chartering revenue and downtime minimisation.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure suitable employment for Dry Bulk vessels via tenders, voyage charter and time charter.
• Strive to secure charter rates around 95% of the prevailing BDI/market index for the vessel tonnage.
• Evaluate market conditions, vessel positioning, cargo availability and prevailing fixtures.
• Explore 3–6 month period employment linked to BDI/FFA scales based on market opportunities.
• Negotiate freight/hire rates and terms with charterers and brokers within the authority framework.
• Minimise commercial off-hire and waiting time between employment cycles; maximise earning days.

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION – GENERAL MANAGER - CHARTERING

Dry Bulk Shipping

Reporting To: CEO

Experience: 10–15 Years

Preferred Background: Relevant shore-based Chartering experience in the Maritime Transportation sector for Bulk Carriers ( Containers exposure is an added advantage ). Sailing exposure as Chief Mate/Master is good to have.

Role Purpose

To lead the Chartering & Commercial function, ensuring optimum vessel employment, competitive chartering revenue, minimum commercial downtime, effective Charter Party management, timely commercial and claims settlement, and development of new business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure suitable employment for Dry Bulk vessels through Tenders, Voyage Charter and Time Charter opportunities.
• For non-tender vessels, strive to secure charter rates at around 95% of the prevailing BDI / relevant BKI, BSI or corresponding market index for the vessel tonnage.
• Evaluate market conditions, vessel positioning, cargo availability and prevailing fixtures before concluding employment.
• Explore 3–6 month period employment linked to BDI/FFA scales for identified vessels, based on market opportunities.
• Negotiate freight/hire rates and commercial terms with charterers and brokers within the approved authority framework.
• Minimise commercial off-hire and waiting time between completion of one employment /tender and commencement of the next, and minimise avoidable commercial downtime and loss of earnings.
• Plan vessel repositioning and re-hire opportunities to maximise earning days and fleet utilisation.
• Evaluate options based on recent comparable fixtures for similar tonnage in the relevant region.
• Prepare voyage estimates before fixing Voyage Charters and assess expected TCE and voyage profitability.
• Prepare voyage actuals on completion and analyse variance against estimates.
• Monitor vessel earnings and analyse losses arising from off-hire, idling, ballast, repairs and other commercial downtime.
• Prepare voyage analysis, variance and commercial loss reports for Management review.

4. Charter Party Management

• Review fixture recaps and Charter Party terms thoroughly before conclusion.
• Ensure Charter Party terms adequately protect the Owner’s commercial interests and minimise revenue leakage.
• Track disputes arising from concluded Charter Parties and ensure learnings are incorporated into future fixtures.
• Work towards minimising Charter Party disputes and their impact on vessel earnings.

5. Business Development

• Identify and develop new chartering, cargo and commercial business opportunities for the Company.
• Drive growth and utilisation of identified business segments and vessels in line with Management targets.
• Explore new container business opportunities and sectors, in addition to the existing Chennai–Kolkata sector.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with charterers, cargo owners, brokers and other commercial partners.
• Ensure timely receipt and settlement of hire/freight and additional recoverable, including AWRP, bunker payments and other applicable amounts.
• Target commercial closure and collection of outstanding amounts within 15 days from completion/end of charter, wherever contractually applicable.
• Coordinate with Finance & Accounts for timely reconciliation and closure of commercial receivables.
• Follow up on outstanding commercial dues and ensure timely escalation wherever required.

7. Claims & Insurance

• Coordinate and follow up P&I, H&M, commercial, cargo and other applicable insurance claims.
• Liaise with insurers, P&I Clubs and underwriters for timely processing and settlement of claims.
• Ensure proper documentation and systematic record keeping of claims, correspondence and settlements.
• Support insurance renewals, negotiations and settlements with appropriate Management approval.

8. Commercial MIS & Reporting

• Prepare monthly fleet earnings and commercial performance reports within defined timelines.
• Report vessel utilisation, waiting periods, commercial downtime, voyage performance and loss of earnings.
• Support performance reports with relevant freight market and BDI analysis.
• Prepare quarterly and annual commercial analysis and reports required by the CEO and Management/Board.
• Highlight key commercial risks, performance gaps and opportunities for Management review.
• Prepare and review commercial documents for vessel and cargo tenders.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of tender documentation.
• Maintain proper documentation, approvals and records relating to fixtures, Charter Parties, tenders, claims and other commercial transactions.
• Assist the CEO in commercial matters relating to the purchase and sale of vessels, as required.
• Review relevant vessel particulars and commercial documentation.
• Provide commercial inputs and analysis to support Management evaluation and decision-making.

Skills & Competence

• Strong understanding of Dry Bulk freight markets, Voyage Charter and Time Charter.
• Good network and relationships with charterers, cargo owners, brokers and other industry stakeholders.
• Strong commercial negotiation, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
• Commercially driven with a strong focus on revenue, vessel utilisation, cost optimisation and profitability.