GM - Coastal Chartering

Job Summary:

Coastal Chartering GM

Key Responsibilities:

1. Chartering & Freight Negotiation:

• Source suitable vessels for coastal cargo movements (Time/Voyage/Spot charters).
• Negotiate charter party terms and conditions with ship owners/brokers.
• Evaluate and finalize freight structures while optimizing voyage profitability.
• Monitor and report freight market trends and competitive intelligence.

2. Vessel Operations Management:

• Liaise with vessel owners, masters, and technical managers to ensure vessel readiness and seaworthiness.
• Coordinate voyage instructions, laycan planning, cargo handling plans, and bunker requirements.
• Monitor vessel movement, ETA/ETD, and weather disruptions via AIS and port agents.
• Supervise daily voyage performance including speed, fuel consumption, and off-hire events.

3. Port & Terminal Coordination:

• Coordinate with port authorities, terminals, stevedores, and agents to plan berth allocations and cargo handling.
• Ensure timely clearance of port formalities, customs, documentation, and cargo declarations.
• Minimize vessel idle time, port stay, and demurrage through efficient planning.
• Ensure safe and compliant loading/unloading operations as per cargo and vessel specs.

4. Documentation & Compliance:

• Ensure accuracy of pre-fixture and post-fixture documentation (NOR, SOF, bills of lading, charter party, etc.).
• Monitor compliance with port regulations, cabotage laws, DG Shipping, and environmental norms (MARPOL, SOLAS).
• Maintain a complete chartering and operations record including CP files, voyage reports, claims, and incident logs.

5. Claims, Risk & Cost Control:

• Manage laytime calculations, demurrage/despatch claims, off-hire events, and port-related disputes.
• Implement controls to reduce port costs, handling charges, and unnecessary delays.
• Conduct root cause analysis of voyage performance issues and initiate corrective actions.

6. Stakeholder Management & Reporting:

• Maintain close communication with internal teams including logistics, dispatch, finance, and compliance.
• Provide regular MIS reports on vessel utilization, voyage costings, port performance, and deviations.
• Attend port visits/audits to supervise key operations, build rapport with port stakeholders.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Maritime Studies, Logistics, Shipping Management, or related field.
• 7–12 years of hands-on experience in coastal chartering, vessel operations, and port coordination.
• Strong network with coastal vessel owners, brokers, port authorities, and marine agents.
• Proficient in charter party contracts, port documentation, and voyage calculations.
• Familiar with marine regulations (DGS, MMD, MARPOL, ISM/ISPS Code).
• Knowledge of cargo types (bulk/liquid/project cargo) and their specific handling requirements.
• Analytical mindset, attention to detail, and capability to manage operational crises.
• Proficiency in MS Office, TMS, ERP systems, and vessel tracking tools (e.g., MarineTraffic, IMOS).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience in coastal shipping (Indian cabotage regime).
• Exposure to multi-port discharge, transshipment, and intermodal connectivity.
• Marine/Deck Officer background or port agency experience (a plus).