Vessel Operator

MOL Chemical Tankers; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MOL Chemical Tankers in Rotterdam seeks a Vessel Operator to manage daily commercial and operational duties for assigned vessels, coordinating across teams to ensure safe, efficient, and commercially successful voyages.

You will optimize routing, bunker planning, and port costs while maintaining strong relationships with Masters, clients and brokers, supporting pre-fixture negotiations and voyage documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Business, Nautical Sciences, Logistics or STCW masters/chief officer license.
• 1+ year of maritime or logistics experience.
• Valid EU passport and right to work in the EU.
• Knowledge of chemical cargo operations, IBC Code, MARPOL and SOLAS.
• Good command of English; Dutch is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily vessel operations, voyage orders and operational follow-up.
• Optimize stowage, bunker planning, port costs and voyage expenses.
• Coordinate cargo operations, tank cleaning and port calls.
• Work closely with Chartering, Marine, Technical and Post Fixture teams.
• Maintain strong relationships with Masters, ship managers, clients, brokers and agents.
• Provide operational input during pre-fixture negotiations.
• Monitor vessel performance, schedules, routing and environmental requirements (CII, EU ETS, ECA).
• Handle voyage administration, Bills of Lading, Letters of Indemnity, demurrage and claims.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Skills

Voyage planning

Communication

Analytical skills

Proactive mindset

Education

STCW Masters or Chief Officer license

Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Business / Nautical Sciences / Logistics

Job description

Do you thrive in a fast-moving maritime environment where every decision can make a difference?

We are looking for a Vessel Operator to join our team in Rotterdam and take a central role in the daily commercial and operational management of assigned vessels.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll connect vessels, customers, chartering, ports and colleagues, solving problems, optimizing voyages and making sure operations remain safe, efficient and commercially successful.

What you’ll do

• Manage daily vessel operations, voyage orders and operational follow-up
• Optimize stowage, bunker planning, port costs and voyage expenses
• Coordinate cargo operations, tank cleaning and port calls
• Work closely with Chartering, Marine, Technical and Post Fixture teams
• Maintain strong relationships with Masters, ship managers, clients, brokers and agents
• Provide operational input during pre-fixture negotiations
• Monitor vessel performance, schedules, routing and environmental requirements, including CII, EU ETS and ECA
• Handle voyage administration, Bills of Lading, Letters of Indemnity, demurrage and claims
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs and solve operational challenges

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Business, Nautical Sciences, Logistics, Transportation or STCW masters or chief officer license and time in rank of second officer or higher.
• 1+ year of maritime or logistics experience.
• Valid EU passport and right to work in the EU.
• Basic knowledge of chemical cargo operations and IBC Code, MARPOL and SOLAS.
• Understanding of voyage planning, charter-party terms, laytime and demurrage.
• Strong communication, analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask and stay calm under pressure.
• A proactive, solution-oriented and team-focused mindset.
• Good command of English; Dutch is a plus.

Why this role

• Make an impact: Your decisions directly influence vessel safety, efficiency and profitability.
• Take ownership: Manage your vessels and make things happen.
• No two days are the same: Combine commercial thinking, operations and problem-solving.
• Work globally: Collaborate with vessels, clients, brokers and maritime teams around the world.
• Grow your expertise: Build your career in chemical tanker operations and commercial shipping.
• Enjoy an inspiring workplace: Work from our centrally located Rotterdam office, right in the heart of the city, with a vibrant atmosphere and stunning panoramic views.

Practicalities

• Employment: Full-time
• Travel: Occasional vessel/port visits as required
• Language: English (professional); Dutch is a plus
• Eligibility: EU passport and right to work in the EU