Vessel Operator (Dry Bulk)

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global is seeking an experienced Vessel Operator to manage end-to-end operations for a small Capesize fleet in Singapore. You will oversee voyages from fixture confirmation through completion, coordinating with Masters, charterers, brokers, port agents and internal teams.

The role requires strong knowledge of Charter Party terms, voyage planning, bunker management and voyage documentation. You will monitor schedules, weather, and port operations, ensuring safe, efficient execution

Qualifications

• Education in maritime studies, shipping, or logistics is required.
• 3–5 years of dry-bulk vessel operations experience.
• Hands-on Capesize bulk carrier experience is preferred.
• Experience handling iron-ore cargoes and major terminals is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of voyage execution, Charter Party terms, and post-fixture operations.
• Proficient with Bills of Lading, Notices of Readiness, and Letters of Indemnity.
• Familiarity with bunkering, vessel-performance monitoring, and port operations.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication.
• Ability to coordinate with Masters, charterers, brokers, and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily commercial operations of approximately 4 Capesize vessels.
• Oversee iron-ore voyages from fixture confirmation through final completion.
• Review Charter Party terms, fixture recaps and voyage instructions.
• Issue clear voyage and operational instructions to Masters and stakeholders.
• Coordinate vessel arrivals, berthing, loading and discharging with agents and terminals.
• Monitor vessel schedules, cargo readiness, port restrictions and weather.
• Arrange bunkers and monitor fuel consumption, speed and vessel performance.
• Track voyage progress and address delays or issues.
• Manage voyage documentation including Bills of Lading and Notices of Readiness.
• Ensure compliance with Charter Party requirements and regulatory obligations.
• Prepare voyage estimates and voyage-related cost reports.
• Review port disbursement accounts and bunker invoices.
• Assist with laytime calculations, demurrage and despatch.
• Coordinate with technical, marine, finance and commercial teams.
• Maintain accurate operational records and vessel-status updates.
• Support incident management and dispute resolution when required.

Skills

Dry-bulk vessel operations

Commercial awareness

Numerical ability

Attention to detail

English communication

Education

Diploma or degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics

Tools

Voyage-management systems

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Vessel Operator to manage the end-to-end operations of approximately 4 Capesize bulk carriers transporting iron ore.

The successful candidate will oversee voyages from fixture confirmation through completion, ensuring safe and efficient execution in accordance with Charter Party requirements. The role requires close coordination with Masters, charterers, brokers, port agents, terminals and internal commercial teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily commercial operations of approximately 4 Capesize vessels.

• Oversee iron-ore voyages from fixture confirmation through final completion.

• Review Charter Party terms, fixture recaps and voyage instructions.

• Issue clear voyage and operational instructions to Masters and relevant stakeholders.

• Coordinate vessel arrivals, berthing, loading and discharging with agents, terminals and charterers.

• Monitor vessel schedules, cargo readiness, port restrictions and weather conditions.

• Arrange bunkers and monitor fuel consumption, speed and vessel performance.

• Track voyage progress and proactively address delays or operational issues.

• Manage voyage documentation, including Bills of Lading, Notices of Readiness, Statements of Facts and Letters of Indemnity.

• Monitor compliance with Charter Party requirements and contractual obligations.

• Prepare and update voyage estimates, voyage P&L and operational cost reports.

• Review port disbursement accounts, bunker invoices and other voyage-related expenses.

• Assist with laytime calculations, demurrage and despatch claims.

• Coordinate with technical, marine, finance and commercial teams to resolve voyage-related matters.

• Maintain accurate operational records and provide regular vessel-status updates.

• Support incident management, claims handling and dispute resolution when required.

• Ensure all voyages comply with applicable safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics or a related discipline.

• 3–5 years of experience in dry-bulk vessel operations.

• Hands-on experience operating Capesize bulk carriers is strongly preferred.

• Experience handling iron-ore cargoes and major bulk terminals would be advantageous.

• Good knowledge of voyage execution, Charter Party terms and post-fixture operations.

• Familiarity with Bills of Lading, Notices of Readiness, Statements of Facts and Letters of Indemnity.

• Understanding of bunkering, vessel-performance monitoring, voyage calculations and port operations.

• Experience managing multiple vessels or voyages simultaneously.

• Strong commercial awareness, numerical ability and attention to detail.

• Able to make timely decisions and resolve operational issues independently.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and voyage-management systems.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Willing to provide operational support outside standard office hours when required.