Shipping Operator at Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd.

• The Shipping Operator is responsible for managing and owning the communications and execution of  time-charter vessel operations, ensuring efficient deployment, cost control, and contractual compliance. This role oversees freight agreements, vessel scheduling, and terminal readiness, ensuring seamless integration with supply operations while optimising marine logistics costs and minimising demurrage exposure.  The role provides support across white oil and fuel oil charters and may be deployed to Schedule as required.

Key Accountabilities:

• Works closely and in conjunction with the Schedulers who own the Scheduling of the vessels. 
• Manage time-charter vessel operations, ensuring optimal utilisation and alignment with supply planning requirements.
• Owns the communications with Ports Authorities.
• Oversee freight cost management, tracking expenses, losses  and ensuring cost-effective shipping solutions.
• Coordinate vessel nomination, vetting, and clearance, ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with vessel owners, brokers, and chartering teams to optimise scheduling and resolve operational issues.
• Ensure terminal readiness for vessel arrivals, working closely with terminals and regulatory bodies to prevent delays.
• Monitor vessel performance and efficiency, identifying improvement opportunities to minimise costs and maximise service levels.
• Work closely with Coastal Schedulers and Product Optimisers to align vessel schedules with inventory and supply strategies.
• Track and mitigate demurrage risks, working with finance and scheduling teams to validate claims and optimise turnaround times.
•  Ensure accurate shipping data management, maintaining records in EDI systems and reporting key performance indicators.
• Support contingency planning for disruptions in vessel availability, ensuring supply continuity.
• Role is required to be trained in Scheduling and deployed as required to cover Scheduling activities as directed by the Head of Operations and Chartering.
• Professional Qualifications & Certifications:
• Degree or diploma in engineering, supply chain, maritime operations  or a related field.

Work Experience:

• 3+ years experience in crude and/or product operations, trading or logistics.
• Experience in oil/petrochemical supply, scheduling, trading, marine operation or value chain optimisation preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of shipping, terminal operations and contract execution.
• Understanding of product shipping operations.
• Strong analytical  and problem solving ability with attention to detail.
• Good negotiation and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Incoterms, customs regulations, risk management and compliance.
• Ability to work long hours under pressure with multiple priorities.

Application deadline:

• 11 November 2025