The Shipping Operations Manager (Bunkering) oversees all operational aspects of marine fuel supply, including barge scheduling, vessel coordination, fuel documentation, quality control, and compliance. This role ensures safe, timely, and efficient delivery of bunker fuels to vessels while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, port authorities, and customers. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience in the marine fuel industry, deep knowledge of maritime regulations, and strong operational leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
Bunker Delivery Operations
- Manage and coordinate all bunker deliveries, including assignment of bunker barges, scheduling, and operational planning.
- Monitor vessel ETA/ETD and adjust bunker schedules to ensure timely delivery with minimal downtime.
- Oversee real‑time operations to address delays, weather impacts, port restrictions, or last‑minute customer changes.
Regulatory & Safety Compliance
- Ensure compliance with IMO, MARPOL, port authority rules, ISGOTT, and local bunkering regulations.
- Enforce strict adherence to safety procedures during bunkering operations.
- Maintain and review all operational documentation such as BDNs (Bunker Delivery Notes), MSDS, and regulatory reports.
Fuel Quality & Quantity Control
- Coordinate with suppliers and laboratories regarding fuel sampling, testing, and quality assurance.
- Resolve disputes related to density, sulfur content, VLSFO/ULSFO requirements, and quantity discrepancies.
- Investigate operational claims (off‑spec, short delivery, contamination).
Logistics & Fleet Management
- Oversee the operational readiness of company‑owned or chartered bunker barges.
- Coordinate crew schedules, maintenance requirements, and bunker barge availability.
- Optimize routing, barge utilization, and turnaround times to reduce operational costs.
Stakeholder Coordination
- Serve as the primary operational contact for customers, bunker traders, suppliers, surveyors, and port officials.
- Communicate delivery updates, delays, and operational issues promptly and professionally.
- Maintain strong relationships with terminals, agents, and port authorities.
Operational Reporting & Systems
- Use bunkering software, ERP systems, and port platforms to track deliveries, documentation, and operational performance.
- Prepare daily and monthly operations reports including KPIs, fuel volumes, barge utilization, and incident logs.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
Team Leadership
- Lead, coach, and supervise operations coordinators, barge masters, and supporting staff.
- Conduct training on bunkering safety, operational procedures, and regulatory compliance.
- Drive a strong safety and service culture across all operational teams.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Supply Chain, or equivalent experience.
- 3–7+ years of experience in marine bunkering operations, vessel operations, or port logistics.
- Strong understanding of bunker fuels (HSFO, VLSFO, MGO, biofuels) and sampling/testing requirements (ISO 8217).
- Knowledge of maritime and port regulations, including MARPOL Annex VI.
- Excellent coordination, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to respond to operational issues outside normal working hours.
Preferred:
- Seagoing experience (Deck Officer/Engineer) or experience managing bunker barges.
- Familiarity with mass flow meters (MFM), bunker survey practices, and fuel dispute resolution.
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to travel to port locations, onboard vessels, and attend bunker operations when required.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with irregular schedules tied to vessel movements.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance‑based incentives.
- Health insurance, PTO, and other benefits based on company policy.
- Opportunities for professional training and development in marine operations.