Technical Superintendent (Container)

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global seeks a Technical Superintendent to oversee the technical management of container vessels, ensuring safe, reliable and cost-effective operations. You will coordinate maintenance, dry-dockings, surveys and budget control, liaising with shipowners, shipyards and service providers to keep vessels ready and downtime to a minimum.

The candidate should hold a Class 1 Chief Engineer certificate or equivalent, a Marine Engineering degree, and have seagoing experience on container

Qualifications

• Certificate and/or degree in marine engineering or related discipline.
• Seagoing experience as Chief Engineer/Second Engineer on container vessels.
• 2–5 years shore-based experience as Technical Superintendent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily technical operations of assigned container vessels.
• Manage maintenance, repairs, dry-dockings and surveys with budgets.
• Coordinate class, flag and statutory matters and ensure certificates remain valid.
• Lead inspections, vessel condition reporting and corrective action plans.
• Collaborate with shipowners, yards, service providers and internal teams.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Cost control

Stakeholder management

English communication

Leadership

Education

Diploma or degree in Marine Engineering or related

Tools

PMS

Fleet-management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a Technical Superintendent to oversee the safe, reliable and cost-effective technical management of assigned container vessels within a ship-management firm. The successful candidate will manage vessel maintenance, repairs, dry-dockings, surveys and technical budgets, working closely with shipboard teams, shipowners, shipyards and service providers to maintain vessel readiness and minimise downtime.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily technical operations of assigned container vessels.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to Chief Engineers and shipboard engineering teams.
• Monitor machinery condition, equipment reliability, fuel consumption and vessel performance.
• Ensure effective implementation of the Planned Maintenance System and timely closure of defects.
• Plan and oversee dry-dockings, repairs, retrofits and statutory surveys.
• Prepare docking specifications, evaluate quotations and monitor project schedules, costs and workmanship.
• Conduct regular vessel inspections and prepare condition reports with clear follow‑up actions.
• Prepare and control annual technical budgets, review expenditure and explain variances.
• Review purchase requisitions and coordinate the timely supply of spare parts, stores and technical services.
• Oversee the maintenance of propulsion, electrical, automation, auxiliary and deck machinery systems.
• Monitor the condition and maintenance of reefer power supplies, hatch covers, ballast systems and cargo cranes where fitted.
• Coordinate Class, Flag and statutory matters, ensuring certificates remain valid and deficiencies are addressed promptly.
• Support vessel preparations for audits, inspections and Port State Control.
• Investigate machinery failures and technical incidents, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Work closely with Marine, HSEQ, Crewing and Procurement teams on vessel requirements.
• Support the selection, appraisal and development of senior engineering officers.
• Maintain effective relationships with shipowners, shipyards, manufacturers and service providers.
• Provide regular reports on vessel condition, technical risks, maintenance progress and budget performance.
• Assist with vessel takeovers, handovers and delivery projects when required.
• Attend vessels and shipyards internationally and provide emergency technical support as necessary.

Requirements

• Class 1 Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency or an internationally recognised equivalent.
• Diploma or degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Seagoing experience as Chief Engineer or Second Engineer on container vessels.
• Preferably 2 to 5 years of shore-based experience as a Technical Superintendent managing container vessels.
• Strong knowledge of marine machinery, planned maintenance, repairs and asset integrity.
• Proven experience managing dry-dockings, technical budgets and vessel inspections.
• Good understanding of Class, Flag, statutory, safety and environmental requirements.
• Experience within a third‑party ship‑management environment would be advantageous.
• Strong troubleshooting, cost-control and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Able to manage multiple vessels and competing operational priorities independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, PMS and fleet‑management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willing to travel internationally and attend vessels outside standard working hours when required.