Technical Director (Tanker)

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the technical strategy for the tanker fleet.
• Lead and manage Technical Managers, Superintendents and supporting technical personnel.
• Ensure vessels operate safely, reliably and in compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor fleet performance, machinery condition, planned maintenance and technical reliability.
• Oversee annual technical budgets, operating expenditure and cost-control initiatives.
• Review major repairs, technical defects and critical machinery failures.
• Lead dry-docking, fleet-renewal, retrofit and major capital-expenditure projects.
• Approve technical specifications and evaluate shipyards, contractors and equipment suppliers.
• Establish consistent technical standards, policies and procedures across the fleet.
• Ensure compliance with class, flag-state, ISM and applicable international maritime regulations.
• Oversee vessel inspections, audits, surveys, vetting preparation and corrective actions.
• Monitor fuel efficiency, vessel performance and emissions-reduction initiatives.
• Support the implementation of new technologies, alternative fuels and decarbonisation projects.
• Review technical risks and ensure effective preventive and corrective measures are implemented.
• Coordinate with marine, operations, crewing, procurement, finance, HSEQ and commercial teams.
• Maintain relationships with classification societies, regulators, shipyards, manufacturers and key service providers.
• Participate in emergency response and lead technical investigations following serious incidents.
• Support fleet acquisitions, newbuilding projects, vessel takeovers and disposals when required.
• Develop technical personnel through coaching, succession planning and performance management.
• Provide regular fleet-performance, budget and risk reports to senior leadership.
• 10 years of experience in a Ship Management Firm

Requirements

• Degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture or a related discipline.
• Marine Engineer Class 1 Certificate of Competency is strongly preferred.
• Previous sailing experience as a Chief Engineer onboard tanker vessels.
• At least 12–15 years of relevant maritime experience, including significant shore-based technical-management experience.
• Minimum five years in a senior leadership role such as Technical Manager, Fleet Manager or Technical Director.
• Strong experience managing oil, chemical or product tankers.
• Proven track record in dry-docking, major repairs, technical budgeting and fleet-performance management.
• Strong knowledge of ISM, class requirements, flag-state regulations, SIRE and tanker-industry standards.
• Familiarity with dual-fuel systems, energy-efficiency technologies or decarbonisation initiatives would be advantageous.
• Strong leadership, commercial awareness and strategic decision-making capabilities.
• Effective communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple vessels, projects and priorities in an international operating environment.
• Willingness to travel and attend vessels, shipyards and project sites when required.