Technical Superintendent (LNG)

About the role

The LNG Technical Superintendent is responsible for the safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective technical management of assigned LNG bunkering vessel / LNG carrier. The role ensures vessels maintain the highest standards of technical performance, safety, environmental compliance, cargo containment integrity, and operational readiness while meeting contractual, regulatory, and company requirements.

The LNG Technical Superintendent is also responsible for the management and supervision of LNG vessel newbuilding projects, site supervision teams, vessel delivery programmes, and post-delivery warranty management.

The LNG Technical Superintendent serves as the primary shore-based technical focal point between vessel crews, management, classification societies, shipyards, equipment manufacturers, and charterers regarding technical matters.

Key responsibilities

1.        Technical Management of LNG Vessels

• Manage and oversee the day-to-day technical operations of assigned LNG vessels
• Monitor vessel machinery performance, reliability, and operational efficiency
• Ensure safe operation of the vessels’ hull and machinery including (but not limited to):

1. Main propulsion systems
2. Dual-fuel engines
3. LNG cargo handling systems
4. Reliquefaction plants / sub-coolers
5. Boil-off gas (BOG) systems
6. Cargo containment systems
7. Electrical and automation systems

• Provide technical guidance and support to vessel masters and chief engineers
• Monitor vessel technical KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessary

2.        LNG Cargo System Management

• Oversee the maintenance and integrity of LNG cargo containment systems
• Monitor cargo handling equipment

1. Cargo pumps
2. Spray pumps
3. Compressors
4. Vapourisers
5. Reliquefaction systems / sub-coolers

• Review and investigate cargo system abnormalities
• Support vessel crews during gas trials, cool-down operations, gassing-up and inerting operations
• Liaise with equipment makers regarding LNG cargo systems performance and troubleshooting

3.        Planned Maintenance & Asset Integrity

• Ensure effective implementation of Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS).
• Review maintenance performance and vessel defect reports
• Develop maintenance strategies for critical LNG equipment.
• Ensure class, statutory and manufacturer maintenance requirements are met.
• Verify technical records and maintenance documentation are properly maintained.
• Monitor condition-based maintenance programs.

4.     Dry Docking & Shipyard Management

• Plan and manage vessel dry dockings, repairs and major conversions.
• Prepare specifications, budgets, tender documents and project plans.
• Supervise shipyard activities to ensure:

1. Safety
2. Quality
3. Cost control
4. Schedule compliance

• Coordinate attendance by class surveyors and flag administrations.
• Manage dry dock budgets and project reporting.

5.     Budgeting & Cost Control

• Develop and manage annual technical budgets
• Control operating expenditures (OPEX).
• Review and approve requisitions and technical purchases.
• Evaluate repair quotations and procurement proposals.
• Monitor spare parts inventory and critical equipment stock levels.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising safety or reliability.

6.        Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:

1. IMO regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, IGF Code, IGC Code, ISM Code etc.)
2. Class rules and regulations
3. Flag state regulations
4. Port state requirements

• Prepare vessel for inspections and audits
• Coordinate class and statutory surveys
• Monitor upcoming regulatory changes affecting LNG bunkering vessels / carriers.

7.        Safety & Risk Management

• Promote a strong safety culture across assigned vessels.
• Participate in incident investigations.
• Conduct root cause analysis of:

1. Machinery failures
2. LNG cargo system incidents
3. Gas detection alarms
4. Technical breakdowns

• Monitor risk assessment related to LNG operations
• Ensure implementation of corrective and preventive actions
• Participate in emergency response and crisis management activities.

8.        Environment & Decarbonisation Compliance

• Support compliance with applicable environmental regulations and requirements (e.g. EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, CII, EEXI and SEEMP etc.).
• Monitor fuel efficiency and emissions performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve vessel energy efficiency.
• Support alternative fuel and decarbonisation initiatives where required.
• Ensure environmentally responsible technical operations.

9.        Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with:

1. Classification societies
2. Shipyards
3. Equipment manufacturers
4. Service engineers
5. Flag administrators
6. Charterers
7. Terminal operators

• Evaluate vendor performance.
• Support contract negotiations for technical services and repairs.
• Coordinate maker attendance and service agreements.

10.   Crew Support & Development

• Provide technical assistance to:

1. Chief Engineers
2. Second Engineers
3. Electro-Technical Officers

• Participate in crew evaluations and selection.
• Identify technical training requirements.
• Support LNG-specific competence development programmes.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across the fleet.

11.   Newbuilding Project Management & Site Team Oversight

• Act as the owner's representative for assigned LNG newbuilding projects from contract signing through delivery
• Lead and manage the shipyard site supervision team, including

1. Site Managers
2. Hull Inspectors
3. Machinery Inspectors
4. Electrical & Automation Specialists
5. LNG Cargo System Specialists
6. Commissioning Engineers

• Coordinate site team activities to ensure construction quality, safety, schedule adherence, and contractual compliance.
• Monitor shipyard progress against project milestones and delivery schedules.
• Review and approve technical drawings, specifications, and vendor documentation.
• Participate in design review meetings and ensure owner requirements are incorporated into vessel construction.
• Oversee installation, testing, commissioning, and acceptance of:

1. LNG cargo containment systems
2. Dual-fuel propulsion systems
3. Cargo handling equipment
4. Reliquefaction plants / sub-coolers
5. Automation and control systems
6. Environmental compliance equipment

• Coordinate Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Harbour Acceptance Tests (HAT), and Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT).
• Manage technical interfaces between shipyard, equipment manufacturers, classification societies, and owner representatives.
• Track and resolve technical deficiencies, non-conformities, and warranty issues during the construction phase.
• Coordinate crew familiarization, operational readiness, and vessel handover activities before delivery.
• Manage post-delivery warranty claims and guarantee surveys.
• Provide regular project status reports to senior management covering progress, risks, budget, quality, and key technical issues.
• Support strategic fleet growth initiatives and evaluate new technologies applicable to LNG bunkering vessels / carriers and dual-fuel vessels.

About you

• Degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Naval Architecture
• Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency preferred
• Minimum 5-10 years sailing experience on LNG carriers
• Previous service as Chief Engineer on LNG vessels or LNG Technical Superintendent