Vessel Operator

Vessel Operator

IJmuiden, Netherlands - we're happy to consider candidates from other locations for now, with relocation to the area expected in due course

Full Time

Windcat is a leading provider of safe and efficient crew transfer services to the offshore industry, operating at the forefront for more than 20 years. With a growing fleet of over 55 Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs), 3 Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) and 1 Multi-Purpose Accommodation Support Vessel (MPASV) — and several newbuilds under construction — Windcat plays a key role in supporting offshore projects worldwide. As part of CMB.TECH, one of the largest listed and diversified maritime groups in the world, you’ll get more than just a job title — you’ll join a team dedicated to shaping the future of offshore energy.

We are looking for a Vessel Operator to join our CSOV Operations team, taking ownership of the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of allocated CSOV vessels while managing day-to-day operational and contractual requirements with clients and ship managers.

This is a shore-based operational lead role, acting as the primary point of contact between the company, clients, and our external ship managers at Anglo-Eastern. You will manage vessel operations, client communication, and contractual obligations while ensuring safety, compliance, and cost control across your allocated vessels.

As our Vessel Operator, you will:

• Ensure compliance with Windcat & CMB.TECH corporate policies, management procedures, and reporting requirements

• Liaise directly with Chartering Managers to identify potential business opportunities and support the preparation and development of contract tender documents from an operational and technical perspective

• Ensure all operational and reporting requirements for each contract are understood and complied with

• Work closely with Anglo-Eastern ship managers on all operational, technical, crewing, and budgeting matters

• Liaise with vessel Shipboard Management on daily operations, including hotel facilities, client requirements, and inspection, repair, and maintenance

• Issue Sailing Instructions to vessel Masters and ensure Zero North reports are issued in line with CMB.TECH requirements

• Oversee ship manager control of vessel expenditure in line with company-approved budgets, ensuring all project-related costs are managed within the IMOS commercial voyage management system

• Participate in the control of certification and verification to ensure compliance with Classification Society and insurance underwriter requirements

• Ensure technical procedures for inspection, repair, and maintenance are followed in line with accepted industry best practice

• Participate in the maintenance and continual improvement of formal documentation in cooperation with the Anglo-Eastern Quality Management System

• Evaluate non-conformities and initiate necessary corrective actions and verification

• Assist in identifying occupational training needs and support training programmes for new and innovative technical equipment

• Monitor and follow up on rules, regulations, and industry guidance for technical marine and offshore operations

• Liaise with the ship manager's HSEQ Department to ensure safety of operations and personnel, maintaining the attitude that all accidents are preventable

• Assist the Safety Case Co-ordinator in the organisation of safety cases as required by contractual and geographical obligations

Skills / Experience

Essential:

• Degree educated or holds relevant marine industry or professional qualifications

• Experience in senior shipboard management, technical supervision, or project management

• Shore-based experience within offshore vessel operations

• Understanding of dynamic positioning and power management systems

• Knowledge of marine operations, planned maintenance, repair processes, Class rules, and relevant legislation

• Experience in compiling and managing operational vessel budgets

• Fluent in written and spoken English

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to European offices and global vessel locations

If you are looking to develop your career in offshore vessel operations and want a varied, shore-based role with real responsibility across vessel performance, client engagement, and commercial delivery, we’d love to hear from you.