Port Engineer

Job Title: Port Engineer

Reports To: General Manager Operations

Department: Operations Onshore

Basic Function: Provide specialized marine and vessel operational support.

Position Summary

The Port Engineer is responsible for the overall technical, operational, and personnel management of a dynamically positioned (DP) offshore construction vessel. This position serves as the primary shore-side representative for the vessel, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations while maintaining compliance with all regulatory, client, and company requirements.

In addition to traditional port engineering responsibilities, the Port Engineer has direct responsibility for the recruitment, hiring, performance management, discipline, retention, and termination of all marine personnel assigned to the vessel, including deck, engine, and DP operations personnel.

The successful candidate will possess strong marine engineering expertise, vessel management experience, and proven leadership capabilities in offshore construction and DP vessel operations.

Technical and Vessel Management

• Manage all technical aspects of vessel operations, maintenance, and repair activities.
• Develop and oversee planned maintenance programs for hull, machinery, DP systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Coordinate dry dockings, shipyard projects, vessel upgrades, and major repair periods.
• Monitor vessel performance, reliability, fuel consumption, and operating costs.
• Review and approve maintenance plans, work scopes, and procurement requests.
• Ensure vessel readiness to meet project schedules and client requirements.
• Coordinate technical support between vessel personnel, vendors, classification societies, and regulatory authorities.
• Manage vessel budgets related to maintenance, repairs, spare parts, and capital expenditures.
• Investigate equipment failures and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure DP equipment, critical redundancy systems, and mission equipment are maintained to the highest operational standards.

Marine Personnel Management

• Lead all recruitment efforts for marine personnel assigned to the vessel.
• Interview, evaluate, and select qualified candidates for positions including:
  • Masters
  • Chief Officers
  • DP Operators
  • Chief Engineers
  • Engineers
  • Electricians
  • Bosuns
  • Able Seamen
  • Oilers
  • Motormen
  • Other marine crew positions
• Maintain staffing levels to ensure uninterrupted vessel operations.
• Verify qualifications, certifications, licenses, and competency requirements.
• Establish and maintain succession planning and crew development programs.
• Conduct performance evaluations and competency assessments.
• Manage employee relations and crew welfare matters.
• Administer disciplinary actions in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Make recommendations and decisions regarding promotions, transfers, demotions, and terminations.
• Coordinate crew scheduling, rotations, travel, and relief planning.
• Ensure compliance with flag state, STCW, MLC, and company manning requirements.
• Foster a positive safety culture and professional work environment onboard.

Operational Oversight

• Support vessel mobilizations, demobilizations, and offshore project execution.
• Participate in operational planning meetings with project teams and vessel management.
• Monitor vessel operational readiness and project performance.
• Ensure adequate inventory of critical spare parts, consumables, and equipment.
• Coordinate emergency response support and incident investigations.
• Review and approve vessel reports, maintenance records, and operational documentation.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure compliance with:
  • International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations
  • Classification Society requirements
  • Flag State regulations
  • ISM Code
  • ISPS Code
  • MLC requirements
  • Company safety management systems
  • Client-specific requirements
• Participate in vessel audits, inspections, and management reviews.
• Monitor corrective actions resulting from audits, inspections, incidents, and non-conformances.
• Promote continuous improvement in safety, environmental stewardship, and operational performance.

Required Qualifications/Experience

• Chief Engineer Unlimited License, First Assistant Engineer Unlimited License, or equivalent marine engineering qualification preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of maritime industry experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years of vessel management, port engineering, or superintendent experience.
• Experience with DP Class 2 and/or DP Class 3 vessels.
• Experience supporting offshore construction, subsea, heavy-lift, or installation vessels.
• Strong understanding of vessel maintenance management systems.
• Demonstrated experience in personnel management, recruitment, and workforce leadership.
• Knowledge of maritime regulations, classification requirements, and offshore industry standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and vessel maintenance software systems.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing offshore construction vessels exceeding 90 meters in length.
• Familiarity with Kongsberg, Wärtsilä, or equivalent DP systems.
• Experience with marine project operations in offshore oil and gas or renewable energy sectors.
• Budget management and capital project experience.
• Previous shore-side superintendent or fleet management experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic offshore environment.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead diverse, multinational crews.
• Strong conflict resolution and personnel management skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally on short notice.
• Commitment to safety, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.

Physical and Travel Requirements

• Ability to board vessels and access machinery spaces.
• Ability to travel frequently to vessel locations, shipyards, and project sites.
• Primary work location is in the office but must have ability to work in offshore and industrial environments when required.
• Valid passport and ability to obtain international travel visas.

Education: Maritime academy and/or bachelor's degree in marine engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or related discipline preferred.

Helix Energy Solutions Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.