The role of a ship operator
Krūze, Patriks (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025101626068
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025101626068
Tiivistelmä
This thesis looks at the role of a ship operator in modern dry bulk shipping. Aim was to show what ship operators actually do in their daily work, what challenges they face, and why this job can be a good career path for seafarers who either cannot continue at sea or simply want a change but still wish to stay in shipping.
Reaserch was divided in two parts. First, a review of literature explained the theoretical side of voyage planning, cargo operations, rules, commercial responsibilities. Second, three semi-structured interviews were carried out with ship operators from Navalis Shipping. Interviewees came from different backgrounds including a former ship agent, a marine engineer, and a deck officer, which helped to give a wider picture of the profession.
Results show that operators are the link between a shipowner and ships crew that keeps voyages moving. There are several tasks for them, but the most important ones are updating schedules, arranging bunkers, checking costs, and making sure charter agreements are followed. Also, they spend a lot of time communicating with captains, agents, and clients.
Conclusion, a role of a ship operator is demanding and important work. Role requires shipping knowledge, commercial awareness, technical understanding, as well as strong communication skills. Job is not always visible, but it is important to shipping operations and offers a meaningful career at shore for those who want to remain connected to the maritime industry.
Reaserch was divided in two parts. First, a review of literature explained the theoretical side of voyage planning, cargo operations, rules, commercial responsibilities. Second, three semi-structured interviews were carried out with ship operators from Navalis Shipping. Interviewees came from different backgrounds including a former ship agent, a marine engineer, and a deck officer, which helped to give a wider picture of the profession.
Results show that operators are the link between a shipowner and ships crew that keeps voyages moving. There are several tasks for them, but the most important ones are updating schedules, arranging bunkers, checking costs, and making sure charter agreements are followed. Also, they spend a lot of time communicating with captains, agents, and clients.
Conclusion, a role of a ship operator is demanding and important work. Role requires shipping knowledge, commercial awareness, technical understanding, as well as strong communication skills. Job is not always visible, but it is important to shipping operations and offers a meaningful career at shore for those who want to remain connected to the maritime industry.