Fleet Director (Tanker)

direct search asia pte. ltd.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

direct search asia pte. ltd. is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer/Technical Director to lead the tanker fleet's technical strategy and performance from Singapore. You will oversee technical staff, budgets and major capital projects to ensure safe, compliant and efficient operations.

The role requires extensive maritime leadership, deep knowledge of ISM and class rules, and willingness to travel for vessel visits and project sites.

Qualifications

• Degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture or a related discipline.
• Marine Engineer Class 1 Certificate of Competency is strongly preferred.
• 12–15 years of maritime experience including significant shore-based technical-management experience.
• Minimum five years in a senior leadership role (Technical Manager, Fleet Manager or Technical Director).
• Strong experience with oil, chemical or product tankers.
• Proven track record in dry-docking, major repairs, budgeting and fleet-performance management.
• Solid knowledge of ISM, class requirements, flag-state regulations, SIRE and tanker standards.
• Willingness to travel to vessels, yards and project sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the technical strategy for the tanker fleet.
• Lead and manage Technical Managers, Superintendents and supporting technical personnel.
• Ensure vessels operate safely, reliably and in compliance with requirements.
• Monitor fleet performance, maintenance, reliability and budgets.
• Oversee cost-control initiatives and major capital projects.
• Review major repairs, defects and failures; lead investigations.
• Coordinate with multiple internal teams and external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Marine Engineering degree

Class 1 Certificate of Competency

Job description

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the technical strategy for the tanker fleet.
• Lead and manage Technical Managers, Superintendents and supporting technical personnel.
• Ensure vessels operate safely, reliably and in compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor fleet performance, machinery condition, planned maintenance and technical reliability.
• Oversee annual technical budgets, operating expenditure and cost-control initiatives.
• Review major repairs, technical defects and critical machinery failures.
• Lead dry-docking, fleet-renewal, retrofit and major capital-expenditure projects.
• Approve technical specifications and evaluate shipyards, contractors and equipment suppliers.
• Establish consistent technical standards, policies and procedures across the fleet.
• Ensure compliance with class, flag-state, ISM and applicable international maritime regulations.
• Oversee vessel inspections, audits, surveys, vetting preparation and corrective actions.
• Monitor fuel efficiency, vessel performance and emissions-reduction initiatives.
• Support the implementation of new technologies, alternative fuels and decarbonisation projects.
• Review technical risks and ensure effective preventive and corrective measures are implemented.
• Coordinate with marine, operations, crewing, procurement, finance, HSEQ and commercial teams.
• Maintain relationships with classification societies, regulators, shipyards, manufacturers and key service providers.
• Participate in emergency response and lead technical investigations following serious incidents.
• Support fleet acquisitions, newbuilding projects, vessel takeovers and disposals when required.
• Develop technical personnel through coaching, succession planning and performance management.
• Provide regular fleet-performance, budget and risk reports to senior leadership.
• 10 years of experience in a Ship Management Firm

Requirements

• Degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture or a related discipline.
• Marine Engineer Class 1 Certificate of Competency is strongly preferred.
• Previous sailing experience as a Chief Engineer onboard tanker vessels.
• At least 12–15 years of relevant maritime experience, including significant shore-based technical-management experience.
• Minimum five years in a senior leadership role such as Technical Manager, Fleet Manager or Technical Director.
• Strong experience managing oil, chemical or product tankers.
• Proven track record in dry-docking, major repairs, technical budgeting and fleet-performance management.
• Strong knowledge of ISM, class requirements, flag-state regulations, SIRE and tanker-industry standards.
• Familiarity with dual-fuel systems, energy-efficiency technologies or decarbonisation initiatives would be advantageous.
• Strong leadership, commercial awareness and strategic decision-making capabilities.
• Effective communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple vessels, projects and priorities in an international operating environment.
• Willingness to travel and attend vessels, shipyards and project sites when required.