– 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

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 solid relationships with charterers, cargo owners, brokers and other commercial partners.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.

📌 General Manager (Kolkata)
🏢 APEEJAY SHIPPING
📍 Kolkata