Captain

Join a Unique Antarctic Logistics Operation

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Captain to command our NIS-registered cargo and logistics support vessel operating in one of the world's most challenging and rewarding maritime environments.

The vessel plays a critical role in supporting a modern Antarctic fishing fleet. As Captain, you will lead an international crew while ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of a vessel that serves as the logistical lifeline between our fishing operations, South America, and Europe.

This is not a conventional cargo vessel position. The role combines cargo operations, fuel logistics, personnel transfers, Antarctic voyage planning, and close coordination with vessels operating in remote polar waters.

Location: Antarctic Region, South Atlantic, South America & Europe
Travel and work rotation: Crew changes are normally arranged in Montevideo, Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams. Rotation is approximately 8 weeks on and 8 weeks off with slight deviations depending on operational needs (12/7 shift, meaning 12 hours on, 12 hours off, 7 days a week for the entire rotation)

Start date: 15.10.2026

Flag: Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS)
Reporting to: Fleet Management / Operations Department

About the Vessel

• NIS-registered cargo and support vessel

• Cargo capacity: 12,000 MT

• Fuel carrying capacity: 8,500 m³

• Accommodation capacity: 126 persons

• Typical operating crew: 27

  • Captain, Chief Engineer, and Electrician (Aker Qrill Company employees)

  • Remaining crew members (Filipino)

• Trading area:

  • Antarctic waters

  • South Atlantic Ocean

  • Uruguay

  • Chile

  • Europe

Main Responsibilities

As Captain, you will have overall responsibility for:

Safe Vessel Operations

• Maintaining the highest standards of navigation, safety, security, and environmental protection.

• Leading all shipboard operations in accordance with Norwegian regulations, company procedures, ISM Code, and international maritime requirements.

• Planning and executing long ocean voyages, including operations in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions.

• Managing vessel performance and operational efficiency.

Fleet Logistics Support

The vessel's primary mission includes:

• Transporting krill meal and other products from the fishing fleet to Montevideo, Uruguay.

• Delivering fuel, spare parts, provisions, equipment, and technical supplies to fishing vessels operating in Antarctic waters.

• Managing crew changes, including transportation of on-signers and off-signers.

• Supporting port calls in Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams when conducting personnel logistics.

• Supporting product deliveries to European destinations during the inter-season period.

Leadership & Crew Management

• Leading and developing a multinational crew.

• Promoting a strong culture of safety, professionalism, and teamwork.

• Managing bridge operations and ensuring effective communication across all departments.

• Supporting crew welfare and maintaining a positive working environment onboard.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Working closely with fleet management, fishing vessel masters, technical departments, crewing teams, and shore-based logistics personnel.

• Coordinating voyage planning, cargo scheduling, bunkering operations, and personnel transfers.

• Acting as the company's senior representative onboard.

Qualifications

Mandatory

• STCW-compliant Master Mariner (Unlimited) Certificate.

• Valid GMDSS certification.

• Valid medical fitness certificate.

• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

• Previous command experience on cargo, offshore, support, supply, or similar vessels.

• Strong knowledge of ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL, and Norwegian maritime regulations.

Preferred

• Experience in polar, sub-polar, or remote-area operations.

• Experience with fuel transportation and bunkering operations.

• Experience leading multinational crews.

• Knowledge of Antarctic operational challenges and logistics.

• Dynamic Positioning certification and experience (if applicable).

Personal Qualities

We are looking for a captain who is:

• A strong and visible leader.

• Calm and decisive under pressure.

• Highly safety-conscious.

• Commercially aware and operationally focused.

• Proactive, organized, and solution-oriented.

• Comfortable operating independently in remote regions.

• Skilled at building strong relationships with both shipboard and shore-based teams.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to command a vessel supporting the world's most advanced Antarctic fishing operations.

• Challenging and varied voyages across Antarctica, South America, and Europe.

• Modern vessel and professional operational environment.

• Competitive terms and conditions.

• Long-term career opportunities within an international maritime organization.

• A highly skilled and dedicated multinational crew.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• CV

• Copies of certificates and endorsements

• Seaman's book

• References from previous command positions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Aker QRILL Company:

We develop ingredients for use in the aquaculture and animal feed markets, as well as deliver raw materials for production of human health supplements. Our value chain stretches from our vessels and sustainable krill harvesting operations in Antarctica, through our logistics hub in Montevideo, and all the way to customers around the world.

The Company operates a fleet of five vessels, including two cargo vessel and three fishing vessels, leading krill fishing within the Antarctic region. The three fishing vessels operate on the fishing grounds year-round, except for one month in October, which is dedicated to maintenance and repairs while the cargo vessel transports products and crew to and from the fishing grounds throughout the year.

Our offices are located in Fornebu and Ålesund, with the logistics base and product warehouse in Montevideo, Uruguay. We are about 500 employees globally, of which about 430 work on board our krill vessels in Antarctica. We are a diverse company with more than 25 nationalities, spread across all time zones and most continents. Together, we form an international, high performing, diverse and fun work environment.

Working with us means you appreciate diversity, are highly skilled within your field and can cope with unexpected situations. You enjoy a fast pace, tolerate quick decisions and continuously ongoing changes. You are a true team player who “chips in” when the situation requires so.

QRILL™ Aqua is a functional feed ingredient for shrimp, marine fish, and salmonids, increasing productivity in aquaculture - through improved growth, health and quality.

QRILL™ Pet is a functional ingredient for pet nutrition with documented health benefits for companion animals. Proven in numerous studies to benefit pet health, the omega-3s help maintain the health of the heart, kidneys, liver, joints, brain, eyes, skin and coat.

Why should you be part of our team?

You can expect hard work and a lot of fun and challenges. In return we promise you will be part of an exciting journey. If you show initiative and desire for more responsibility, we will give it to you and support you along the way. We strongly believe that our team of people want to do their best. All in the spirit of being the leading company in our industry and always striving to raise the bar.