Shipping Operator

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Summary of Company

Clearlake Shipping, a subsidiary of Gunvor Group, is one of the largest charterers of tanker vessels in the world. Clearlake Shipping operates tankers and Gas Carriers (LPG & LNG) vessels. Clearlake Shipping covers all chartering needs that the Group or market may have at any given time. Since 2003, Clearlake Shipping has operated high quality fleet of tankers, LPG & LNG carriers both on a spot and a time-charter basis to accommodate Gunvor’s growing needs for safe ocean transportation across all major ocean routes, in addition to the needs of third-party business. Clearlake Shipping’s activities include chartering an average of 1,500 vessels annually that include crude oil, products, chemicals, LPG, LNG, freight hedging (FFA), operations, claims handling and ship/terminal safety consultations.

Overview of Role

The position reports to the Global Head of Shipping Operations is located in our Houston office. The operator will work closely with the Chartering/freight department and Cargo Operations teams to provide day-to-day support for the operation of Dirty Petroleum Products, Clean Petroleum Products and Bitumen for our time-chartered fleet.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage pre-fixture and post-fixture operations on MR, LR1, LR2, Aframax, VLCC and Bitumen vessels:
  • Handle all pre-fixture related matters to clear nominated vessels for proposed voyages.
• Voyage optimization & Performance Analysis:
  • Monitor vessel’s daily movement and monitor weather routing.
  • Monitor vessel’s speed and consumption and prepare claims against owner, where applicable.
  • Optimize tank-cleaning operations.
  • Ensure maximum Utilization of cargo stowage plan by master to meet charterers. voyage specific requirements
  • Appointing port Agent, manage port cost and ensure timely funding.
  • LOI management in good time including having it signed by authorized signatory and sending it to relevant counter parties.
  • Non-commercial operations: Bunker planning and deslopping performed efficiently and optimally.
  • Ensure the vessel’s quick turnaround in port by liaising closely with Agent.
  • Ensure all shipping activities comply with international and local regulations at all times.
  • Develop and implement shipping strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Timely appointment of armed guards for transiting HRA. Insurance cover for HRA transits in place for voyages in HRA.
  • Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, shipping partners, and regulatory agencies.
  • Liaise and verify with owners regarding oil major approval and ensure vessels have a valid SIRE for trading at all times.
  • Profit and loss management by daily updating of system to provide accurate P&L updates to freight traders.
  • Ensure that master is in strict compliance with Clearlake standing instructions at all times.
  • Able to handle dispute /shortages etc. independently.
• Post-fixtures:
  • Ensure that all Operational Information is entered into Operational Systems (IMOS) in timely fashion and it is updated as the voyage progresses and that adequate records are kept in G Docs to meet the company’s legal and fiscal obligations
  • Prepare and ensure that freight is received in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that necessary documents for interim port calculations and other claims (speed up / slow steam / waiting time / heating costs / purging costs / charterer expenses, etc.) are given to claims department to process and chase charterers.
  • Closely liaise with the Controls team for hire payments, off hires, deliveries and redeliveries of vessels.
• Demonstrate and help train teams to assess operational and business risks, minimizing impacts which may impede success or growth of the Company/ Group and escalating those which require additional mitigation.
• Acts as a reliable point of contact for routine internal and external inquiries on the desk. Maintain close communications with customers and upon necessity inform customers of problems and issues arising from fulfilment of contracts concluded with them. Maintain close communications with Traders and relevant teams to ensure smooth cooperation; proactively offering creative solutions to Trading team issues.
• Provide technical expertise for shipping operations where applicable,

Candidate’s Profile

The individual should have the following experience:

• Diploma in Maritime or relevant qualification, with minimum 10 years of work experience in Shipping Operations in trading house or ship owner.
• Strong knowledge of international, National and local shipping regulations
• Ability to develop and implement shipping strategies that improve efficiency and reduce costs
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify areas for improvement and develop corrective action plans
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Proficient in the use of shipping-related software and technology
• Experienced with dispute resolution and handling incidents.
• Sound commercial awareness
• Shipping experience is mandatory.

If you think the open position you see is right for you, we encourage you to apply!

Our people make all the difference in our success.