Our client is an asset owner of luxury river and ocean cruise espeditions across the globe with a fleet of small yacths and river cruises.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with river cruise or ocean going cruise background as a Chief Engineer with shore based experience managing a fleet of similar vessels to be based in Spain.
The Fleet Technical Director is responsible for the overall technical management, operational readiness, and maintenance of the company fleet of river and ocean-going passenger vessels. This leadership role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective technical operations across the fleet, including planned maintenance, drydocks, refits, class and flag compliance, and technical innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
Fleet Maintenance and Reliability:
- Oversee all aspects of technical operations for the fleet, ensuring vessels are maintained to the highest safety, performance, and environmental standards
- Implement and supervise preventive and corrective planned maintenance schedules for all vessels in Deepblue PMS
Drydock Planning and Execution:
- Lead the planning, budgeting, and execution of all drydock projects, including scope definition, yard selection, tender processes, and contractor management
- Ensure drydock projects are completed on time, within budget, and to expected quality
Technical Compliance and Safety:
- Ensure all vessels meet class, flag state, port state, and company safety and technical standards in coordination with technical managers.
- Liaise with classification societies and flag authorities for surveys, audits, and certifications
Budget Management and Cost Control:
- Manage the technical budget for the fleet, including spares, drydock, and capital expenditure
- Drive cost efficiency without compromising safety or performance
Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead team of superintendents, engineers, and support staff across regions
- Promote continuous learning and development within the technical team
Vendor and Yard Relations:
- Build strong relationships with shipyards, suppliers, and technical service providers
- Negotiate service contracts and evaluate vendor performance regularly
Innovation and Sustainability:
- Lead technical initiatives to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and adopt sustainable technologies
- Stay current on maritime regulations, new technologies, and industry best practices
Requirements and Skills
- Degree in Engineering
- Chief Engineer license or equivalent sea-going experience preferred
- Experience of minimum 10 years of relevant experience in technical or fleet management, including oversight of drydocking
- Language / Level: Fluent in English (spoken and written); fluent in Spanish (spoken and written)
Technical Proficiency
- Strong knowledge of vessel systems, class rules, and international maritime regulations such as ISM, SOLAS, and MARPOL
- Proven leadership and project management skills across multiple vessel types and regions
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
- Experience with both river and ocean vessels is highly preferred
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.