Head of Docking & Projects

DRIVING CONNECTIVITY

Chart your Course with PIL

With over 55 years of leadership in the global shipping industry, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is looking for proactive individuals to drive innovation and sustainable shipping solutions. If you’re fueled by pioneering ideas, enjoy challenging the status quo, and are determined to make a significant impact, PIL wants you as a part of our dynamic community of maritime professionals.

At PIL, we provide local experiences with a global reach. With our headquarters in Singapore, and services offered at over 500 locations in 90 countries, you will have ample opportunities to work with colleagues from different cultures and communities.

Get On Board for a Dynamic and Purposeful Career.

Job summary:

To lead and oversee the dry-docking and major project activities (including retrofits) of PIL-managed vessels, ensuring operations are executed safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. This role is responsible for standardizing the dry-docking process, ensuring alignment with industry best practices, managing vendor relationships, and driving continuous improvement across the fleet's docking programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Dry-Docking Execution & Planning

• Work closely with the Technical Department to ensure safe, high-quality, and timely dry-docking of PIL-managed vessels.
• Ensure vessel docking is planned at the most suitable and economical shipyards, balancing operational requirements, availability, and cost.
• Oversee alignment of dry-docking budgets across fleet groups, ensuring cost control and budget compliance.
• Monitor dry-dock timelines across the fleet and coordinate with GM (Technical), Fleet Managers, and Vessel Managers to ensure timely and complete preparation.
• Maintain updated records of vessel dry-docking schedules, ETA/ETD, progress, completion including Scrubber/BWTS retrofit activities, and associated costs.
• Work with Network and OPPC to ensure optimal scheduling of dry-docking.

Standardization & Process Improvement

• Drive the standardization of the dry-docking process across the organization, including development and alignment of dry-dock specifications.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance dry-docking efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize off-hire durations.

Vendor and Shipyard Management

• Liaise with shipyards, paint manufacturers, equipment makers, and service contractors to ensure timely and quality docking services at agreed performance and cost levels.
• Lead the sourcing, evaluation, and deployment of dry-docking service providers and technical assistants.
• Review dry dock specifications and obtain quotations from shortlisted shipyards; conduct technical and commercial comparisons and provide recommendations.
• Manage framework agreements with shipyards; ensure compliance with agreed rates, terms, and conditions.
• Regularly track and report on shipyard capacities, developments, and geographical restrictions impacting docking decisions.

Reporting & Documentation

• Ensure timely submission of dry-docking reports to management.
• Provide daily updates on docking progress, issues, and resolutions.
• Submit periodical reports on: vessel distribution to shipyards, rebate utilization, Market trends and price movements, and KPI performance related to dry-docking.

Project Management

• Manage projects involving vessel R&D, optimization and upgrades.
• Develop project plans with defined goals, timelines, budgets, and key deliverables.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure requirements are captured and project objectives are aligned.
• Lead the execution of projects ensuring timely delivery within budget and to quality standards.
• Ensure documentation throughout the project lifecycle: project plans, risk registers, schedules, and status updates.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide technical guidance and oversight to attending Vessel Managers to ensure quality execution during dockings.
• Support knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination within the Fleet Management Team.
• Lead final invoice negotiations in consultation with Technical and Procurement Teams, ensuring alignment with budgets and contractual terms.

Job Requirements:

• BSc in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Marine, Naval Architecture/Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
• Seafaring experience as Chief Engineer or Master Mariner followed by Ship-Management and/or Shipyard management experience will be advantageous.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in ship management or shipyard.
• Must have carried out at least 5 dry docking of container ships as the project lead. Experience in docking ships in China will be advantageous.
• Experienced in budget preparation and control.
• Excellent communication skills
• Assertive and has excellent negotiation skills.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a leading global carrier with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
• Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Application Process:

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume outlining your qualifications and experience to PIL Career Website.

About Us

Incorporated in 1967, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is ranked 12th among the world’s top container shipping lines and is also the largest home-grown carrier in Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, PIL is a global carrier with a focus on Asia, China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.

Together with its affiliated companies Mariana Express Lines (MELL) and Malaysia Shipping Corporation, PIL serves customers at over 500 locations in more than 90 countries worldwide with a fleet of 100 container and multi-purpose vessels.

Apart from the core liner shipping business, PIL also has several other business units such as container manufacturing, depot, and logistics services.

PIL strives to meet the needs of its customers by providing value-adding services such as intermodal, breakbulk, and reefer services delivered on innovative technological platforms. With its focus on “Driving Connectivity” and commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, PIL aims to be an efficient, sustainable, and future-ready shipping line.

For more information, visit www.pilship.com

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.