Fleet Manager

Job Title : Fleet Upgrade Project Manager

Reports To :

Retrofits Project – Fleet Upgrade Manager

Dry Dock Project – Dry Dock Director

Overview of the Role :

The Fleet Upgrade Project Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing technical upgrade projects for a fleet of ships. This includes retrofits (modifying or upgrading ship systems) and dry dock projects (major maintenance and repair work when the ship is docked).

The role requires technical expertise , project management skills , and strong coordination with various internal and external stakeholders, including engineers, suppliers, shipyards, and fleet teams.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Retrofits Projects

These are technical upgrades done while the ship is operational or in limited docking.

Project Coordination :

Own specific retrofit projects end-to-end.

Coordinate with ship crew, engineers, agents, shipyards, and engineering firms.

Plan the project timeline (engineering, logistics, installation, commissioning).

Communicate daily with internal teams (planner, PMO, document controller, logistics).

Track budgets and ensure proper handover to the fleet once the project is complete.

Execution :

Manage objectives, review proposals, and bids from contractors.

Define technical specs, ensure design and engineering is done.

Oversee installation on board (either at sea or in shipyard).

Solve engineering problems as they arise.

2. Dry Dock Projects

These are scheduled periods where the ship is taken out of water for heavy maintenance or installations.

Planning :

Schedule docking and create dry dock specifications.

Define project scope, budget, and issue necessary documentation (DAI).

Monitor engineering and procurement.

Organize the project kick-off with all stakeholders.

Execution :

Monitor repair, retrofit, and new installation progress in dry dock.

Ensure quality and address deviations or issues.

Manage project spending and approve invoices.

Close-out and Handover :

Evaluate the shipyard and suppliers.

Perform formal handover and compile final reports and documentation.

Minimum Qualifications :

Master’s degree in Engineering, Naval Architecture, or be a certified Chief Engineer (C / E) or Second Engineer (2 / E).

Good understanding of the shipping industry.

Proficiency in English and MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Experience & Attributes :

Experience : 2+ years in the shipping industry preferred.

Skills :

Strong project management and organizational skills.

Good problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Ability to manage budgets and timelines.

Comfortable working across departments and with external partners (yards, vendors, etc.).