The Fleet Manager is responsible for the overall management of an assigned vessel fleet, providing leadership, guidance, and oversight to Technical Superintendents while ensuring client expectations are met. Acting as the primary point of contact, the role ensures vessels are operated safely, remain compliant with all applicable regulations, and are maintained in a fully operational and trade-ready condition.

The Fleet Manager oversees fleet performance to ensure vessels operate within approved budgets, comply with statutory, classification, environmental, and industry requirements, and maintain all necessary certifications. The role also coordinates superintendent assignments, vessel visits, and leave schedules to ensure adequate technical support and resource availability at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Technical Superintendents within the assigned fleet.
• Conduct regular vessel visits to verify asset condition, operational standards, and compliance with company policies.
• Maintain strong relationships with vessel owners and key stakeholders through regular engagement and communication.
• Review vessel inspection reports, identify areas for improvement, and recommend corrective actions or upgrades.
• Ensure deficiencies are properly recorded, tracked, and closed in maintenance and reporting systems.
• Monitor fleet performance indicators, maintenance activities, budgets, downtime, inspections, and regulatory compliance.
• Support planning and execution of dry dockings, special surveys, and major repair projects, ensuring cost-effective solutions and minimal operational disruption.
• Review technical budgets covering repairs, spare parts, stores, surveys, and dry-docking activities.
• Coordinate backup coverage among superintendents to maintain continuous support for vessels.
• Oversee performance evaluations of senior shipboard personnel and support talent development and promotion planning.
• Share operational lessons learned and best practices across the fleet.
• Participate in industry conferences, stakeholder meetings, and professional forums as required.
• Work closely with Operations, Crewing, Procurement, Commercial, and other departments to support vessel performance and compliance.
• Ensure vessels meet all safety, environmental, quality, and vetting requirements.

Authority & Decision-Making

• Review and approve owner communications related to budgets, repairs, and dry-docking proposals.
• Authorize vessel purchases and services when acting as technical backup, ensuring operational necessity and budget compliance.
• Evaluate technical risks associated with spare parts procurement and provide recommendations to vessel owners when alternatives are proposed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency (First Class Motor) from a recognized maritime administration; or
• Degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Technical Superintendent; or
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Technical/Fleet Manager within the maritime industry.

Knowledge Requirements

• Marine engineering and vessel operations
• Classification and flag state regulations
• Industry vetting requirements
• Budgeting and cost control
• Ship repair and dry-docking management
• Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Maritime regulations and international conventions
• ISM, ISPS, ISO standards, and industry best practices
• Planned maintenance systems and maritime software applications

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Budget planning and financial management
• Negotiation and stakeholder management
• Report writing and presentation skills
• Sound decision-making and judgment
• Strategic planning and organizational skills
• Commitment to safety, security, compliance, and risk management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and maritime maintenance systems