Port Engineer

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Maintain vessel readiness to meet project schedules and client requirements.
• Ensure vessel readiness to meet project schedules and client requirements.
• 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.
• Lead all recruitment efforts for marine personnel assigned to the vessel.
• 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.
• Cook up 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.
• 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.
• Coordinate emergency response support and incident investigations.
• Review and approve vessel reports, maintenance records, and operational documentation.
• 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, and Regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

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

Skills

• 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.

Benefits

Helix Energy Solutions Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.