General Manager

Apeejay Shipping Limited · India

JOB DESCRIPTION – GENERAL MANAGER - CHARTERING

Dry Bulk Shipping

Reporting To: CEO

Experience: 10–15 Years

Preferred Background: Relevant shore-based Chartering experience in the Maritime Transportation sector for Bulk Carriers ( Containers exposure is an added advantage ). Sailing exposure as Chief Mate/Master is good to have.

Role Purpose

To lead the Chartering & Commercial function , ensuring optimum vessel employment, competitive chartering revenue, minimum commercial downtime, effective Charter Party management, timely commercial and claims settlement, and development of new business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Chartering & Revenue

• Identify and secure suitable employment for Dry Bulk vessels through Tenders, Voyage Charter and Time Charter opportunities.
• For non-tender vessels, strive to secure charter rates at around 95% of the prevailing BDI / relevant BKI, BSI or corresponding market index for the vessel tonnage.
• Evaluate market conditions, vessel positioning, cargo availability and prevailing fixtures before concluding employment.
• Explore 3–6 month period employment linked to BDI/FFA scales for identified vessels, based on market opportunities.
• Negotiate freight/hire rates and commercial terms with charterers and brokers within the approved authority framework.

2. Chartering Efficiency & Vessel Utilisation

• Minimise commercial off-hire and waiting time between completion of one employment /tender and commencement of the next, and minimise avoidable commercial downtime and loss of earnings.
• Plan vessel repositioning and re-hire opportunities to maximise earning days and fleet utilisation .
• Evaluate options based on recent comparable fixtures for similar tonnage in the relevant region.

3. Voyage Estimation & Commercial Performance

• Prepare voyage estimates before fixing Voyage Charters and assess expected TCE and voyage profitability .
• Prepare voyage actuals on completion and analyse variance against estimates.
• Monitor vessel earnings and analyse losses arising from off-hire, idling, ballast, repairs and other commercial downtime .
• Prepare voyage analysis, variance and commercial loss reports for Management review.

4. Charter Party Management

• Review fixture recaps and Charter Party terms thoroughly before conclusion.
• Ensure Charter Party terms adequately protect the Owner’s commercial interests and minimise revenue leakage.
• Track disputes arising from concluded Charter Parties and ensure learnings are incorporated into future fixtures.
• Work towards minimising Charter Party disputes and their impact on vessel earnings.

5. Business Development

• Identify and develop new chartering, cargo and commercial business opportunities for the Company.
• Drive growth and utilisation of identified business segments and vessels in line with Management targets.
• Explore new container business opportunities and sectors , in addition to the existing Chennai–Kolkata sector.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with charterers, cargo owners, brokers and other commercial partners .

6. Hire, Receivables & Commercial Closure

• Ensure timely receipt and settlement of hire/freight and additional recoverable , including AWRP, bunker payments and other applicable amounts.
• Target commercial closure and collection of outstanding amounts within 15 days from completion/end of charter , wherever contractually applicable.
• Coordinate with Finance & Accounts for timely reconciliation and closure of commercial receivables.
• Follow up on outstanding commercial dues and ensure timely escalation wherever required.

7. Claims & Insurance

• Coordinate and follow up P&I, H&M, commercial, cargo and other applicable insurance claims .
• Liaise with insurers, P&I Clubs and underwriters for timely processing and settlement of claims.
• Ensure proper documentation and systematic record keeping of claims, correspondence and settlements.
• Support insurance renewals, negotiations and settlements with appropriate Management approval.

8. Commercial MIS & Reporting

• Prepare monthly fleet earnings and commercial performance reports within defined timelines.
• Report vessel utilisation, waiting periods, commercial downtime, voyage performance and loss of earnings.
• Support performance reports with relevant freight market and BDI analysis .
• Prepare quarterly and annual commercial analysis and reports required by the CEO and Management/Board.
• Highlight key commercial risks, performance gaps and opportunities for Management review.

9. Tenders & Commercial Documentation

• Prepare and review commercial documents for vessel and cargo tenders .
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of tender documentation.
• Maintain proper documentation, approvals and records relating to fixtures, Charter Parties, tenders, claims and other commercial transactions .

10. Vessel Sale & Purchase Support

• Assist the CEO in commercial matters relating to the purchase and sale of vessels , as required.
• Review relevant vessel particulars and commercial documentation.
• Provide commercial inputs and analysis to support Management evaluation and decision-making.

Skills & Competence

• Strong understanding of Dry Bulk freight markets, Voyage Charter and Time Charter .
• Good network and relationships with charterers, cargo owners, brokers and other industry stakeholders .
• Strong commercial negotiation, analytical and decision-making skills .
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
• Commercially driven with a strong focus on revenue, vessel utilisation, cost optimisation and profitability .