Laytime Specialist (Dry Bulk) – Demurrage & Claims Expert

DIRECT SEARCH ASIA PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DIRECT SEARCH ASIA PTE. LTD. seeks an experienced Laytime Specialist to manage dry-bulk laytime calculations and demurrage/despatch claims. You will review charter parties and voyage documents, prepare accurate calculations, and negotiate claims with owners, charterers, brokers and counterparties.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in laytime, demurrage, or post-fixture operations, with strong Excel and voyage-management system skills, and excellent written and spoken English.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, Business or a related discipline.
• At least three years of relevant experience in dry-bulk laytime, demurrage, post-fixture operations or claims.
• Strong knowledge of dry-bulk Charter Parties and laytime principles.
• Hands-on experience calculating demurrage and despatch claims.
• Familiarity with common Charter Party forms and dry-bulk shipping documentation.
• Able to interpret complex contractual clauses and present calculations clearly.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous and able to manage multiple claims and deadlines simultaneously.
• Confident communicating and negotiating with owners, charterers, brokers and other counterparties.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and relevant laytime or voyage-management systems.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review laytime calculations for dry-bulk voyages.
• Assess demurrage and despatch claims in accordance with Charter Party terms.
• Interpret laytime clauses, rider clauses and applicable contractual exceptions.
• Review Notices of Readiness, Statements of Facts, time sheets, Bills of Lading and supporting documents.
• Identify discrepancies or missing information and coordinate with relevant parties to obtain clarification.
• Prepare, submit and follow up on claims within contractual time-bar periods.
• Review claims received from owners, charterers and counterparties.
• Negotiate disputed calculations and support the timely settlement of claims.
• Maintain accurate records of open, settled and outstanding claims.
• Monitor ageing and provide regular reports on claim status and financial exposure.
• Work closely with Chartering, Operations, Legal, Finance and commercial teams.
• Provide advice on laytime wording and potential exposure during Charter Party review.
• Identify recurring issues and recommend improvements to documentation and claims processes.
• Support audits and provide relevant claim documentation when required.

Skills

Laytime calculations

Demurrage & despatch

Charter Parties

Negotiation

English proficiency

Analytical thinking

Deadline management

Excel

Voyage-management systems

Education

Diploma or degree in Maritime Studies/Shipping/Logistics/Business

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Voyage-management systems

Job description

DIRECT SEARCH ASIA PTE. LTD. seeks an experienced Laytime Specialist to manage dry-bulk laytime calculations and demurrage/despatch claims. You will review charter parties and voyage documents, prepare accurate calculations, and negotiate claims with owners, charterers, brokers and counterparties.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in laytime, demurrage, or post-fixture operations, with strong Excel and voyage-management system skills, and excellent written and spoken English.