Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION – GENERAL MANAGER - CHARTERING

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Dry Bulk Shipping

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Reporting To: CEO

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Experience: 10–15 Years

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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 positive to have.

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Role Purpose

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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.

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Key Responsibilities

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1. Chartering & Revenue

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- Identify and secure suitable employment for Dry Bulk vessels through Tenders, Voyage Charter and Time Charter opportunities.
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- 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.
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- Evaluate market conditions, vessel positioning, cargo availability and prevailing fixtures before concluding employment.
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- Explore 3–6 month period employment linked to BDI/FFA scales for identified vessels, based on market opportunities.
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- Negotiate freight/hire rates and commercial terms with charterers and brokers within the approved authority framework.
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2. Chartering Efficiency & Vessel Utilisation

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- 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.
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- Plan vessel repositioning and re-hire opportunities to maximise earning days and fleet utilisation .
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- Evaluate options based on recent comparable fixtures for similar tonnage in the relevant region.
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3. Voyage Estimation & Commercial Performance

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

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

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

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

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- Coordinate and follow up P&I;, H&M;, commercial,



cargo and other applicable insurance claims .
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- Liaise with insurers, P&I; Clubs and underwriters for timely processing and settlement of claims.
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- Ensure proper documentation and systematic record keeping of claims, correspondence and settlements.
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- Support insurance renewals, negotiations and settlements with appropriate Management approval.
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8. Commercial MIS & Reporting

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

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- Prepare and review commercial documents for vessel and cargo tenders .
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- Ensure accurate and timely submission of tender documentation.
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- Maintain proper documentation, approvals and records relating to fixtures, Charter Parties, tenders, claims and other commercial transactions .
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10. Vessel Sale & Purchase Support

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

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