Fleet Manager (Tankers)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Fleet Manager to lead the technical management of a tanker fleet, ensuring safe, reliable, compliant and cost-effective operations.

The successful candidate will oversee Technical Superintendents, vessel maintenance, dry-docking programmes and fleet budgets. The role requires strong tanker experience, sound technical judgement and the ability to manage shipowner relationships and develop shipboard and shore-based teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical management of assigned tanker vessels and provide direction to Technical Superintendents.

• Monitor vessel condition, machinery reliability, maintenance performance and operational readiness.

• Review fleet KPIs, recurring defects, equipment failures and off-hire incidents, ensuring effective corrective action.

• Oversee Planned Maintenance System implementation and maintenance standards across the fleet.

• Manage dry-dockings, major repairs, retrofits and technical projects within approved budgets and schedules.

• Review docking specifications, shipyard quotations and project completion reports.

• Prepare and control fleet operating and capital budgets, monitoring expenditure and investigating variances.

• Ensure compliance with Class, Flag, statutory and company requirements.

• Coordinate technical preparations for vetting inspections, audits and owner reviews.

• Oversee the reliability and maintenance of tanker cargo systems and safety-critical equipment.

• Support incident investigations, root-cause analysis and emergency-response activities.

• Monitor fuel consumption and environmental performance, identifying practical efficiency improvements.

• Review procurement requirements, vendor performance and technical service agreements.

• Maintain regular communication with shipowners and provide clear reports on fleet performance, budgets and technical risks.

• Work closely with Marine, HSEQ, Crewing, Operations and Purchasing teams.

• Support the recruitment, appraisal and development of Chief Engineers and senior engineering officers.

• Coach Technical Superintendents and establish consistent standards for performance and follow-up.

• Oversee vessel takeovers, handovers and delivery projects when required.

Requirements

• Class 1 Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency or an internationally recognised equivalent.

• Diploma or degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

• Seagoing experience as Chief Engineer on tankers.

• At least 5 years of shore-based tanker technical-management experience, including leadership responsibilities.

• Strong knowledge of tanker machinery, cargo systems, maintenance and asset integrity.

• Proven experience managing multiple vessels, dry-dockings, technical projects and budgets.

• Familiarity with tanker vetting, TMSA and fleet safety-management processes.

• Good understanding of Class, Flag, statutory and environmental requirements.

• Experience working directly with shipowners and managing client expectations.

• Strong leadership, financial awareness and problem-solving skills.

• Able to prioritise fleet requirements and make timely decisions under pressure.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and fleet-management systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Willing to travel internationally and attend vessels or shipyards when required.