In the shipping industry, technical managers have always played a crucial role behind the scenes, ensuring vessels run safely, efficiently, and within budget. But the industry is changing fast — and so is the role of technical managers.
Mounting environmental regulations, decarbonisation targets, rising fuel costs, and the push for digitalisation are forcing shipping companies to rethink old ways of working. Technical managers who used to be seen mainly as ‘fixers’ are now expected to step up as strategic enablers who create long-term value, not just short-term solutions.
So, what does this shift look like in practice? Here are four ways technical managers can transform their role — and the value they bring to the fleet.
From Breakdown Response to Decarbonisation Driver
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and regional regulators are tightening emissions rules every year. Targets like net-zero shipping by 2050 mean shipowners must plan and implement greener technologies now — and technical managers are at the heart of this.
In practical terms, this means:
- Evaluating greener technologies. Technical managers can assess the feasibility of scrubbers, exhaust gas cleaning systems, air lubrication systems, or hull coatings that improve fuel efficiency.
- Managing alternative fuel transitions. Many shipping lines are experimenting with LNG, biofuels, or even hydrogen and ammonia. Technical teams need to understand the operational implications of each fuel, from storage to safety.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance. Managers are responsible for accurate emissions reporting and making sure ships meet IMO Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) or Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requirements.
Example: A large container carrier might rely on its technical managers to recommend when and how to retrofit its fleet for dual-fuel engines. Getting this right helps the company meet targets while remaining cost-effective.
Using Data for Route and Fuel Efficiency
Route efficiency is no longer just about getting cargo from A to B. Fuel represents up to 60% of a vessel’s operational costs — and every drop saved helps the bottom line while lowering emissions.
Technical managers have access to vast amounts of performance data: fuel consumption, weather routing, engine performance, hull condition, and more. When used well, this data supports:
- Optimised voyage planning. Combining technical insights with weather forecasts and sea conditions can cut unnecessary fuel burn.
- Performance benchmarking. Comparing sister vessels helps identify which ships or crews need extra support or adjustments.
- Proactive maintenance. For example, scheduling propeller polishing or hull cleaning based on data instead of calendar dates can boost efficiency.
Example: One bulk carrier company reduced fuel consumption by 5% simply by having technical managers work with captains to adjust speed profiles and voyage planning based on engine performance trends.
Smarter Lifecycle and Asset Management
Historically, many shipping companies relied on run-to-failure maintenance. Something breaks, you fix it. But with rising costs and tight schedules, that model is increasingly risky.
Forward-thinking technical managers now use tools like predictive maintenance and condition monitoring to plan ahead. Digital twins, IoT sensors, and fleet management software make it easier to:
- Monitor equipment health in real time.
- Schedule dry-dockings or major overhauls to minimise operational impact.
- Extend the useful life of high-value assets, improving ROI.
- Support greener operations by ensuring engines and systems run at peak efficiency.
This approach helps operators avoid costly last-minute repairs and unplanned downtime that can affect schedules and reputation.
Example: A tanker operator used condition-based monitoring to detect early signs of wear in main engine bearings. By planning repairs proactively, they avoided a catastrophic failure at sea — saving hundreds of thousands in costs and protecting crew safety.
Building a Culture of Collaboration
Becoming a strategic enabler is not only about new tools and data — it’s about how technical managers interact with other departments. The days of working in silos are over.
Technical managers add the most value when they:
- Communicate performance data clearly to operations and finance teams.
- Align maintenance with commercial goals, so downtime doesn’t clash with high-revenue cargo bookings.
- Partner with sustainability teams to track and report on emissions reductions.
- Engage suppliers and shipyards early for more efficient retrofits and upgrades.
Collaboration turns isolated maintenance fixes into bigger strategic gains, like hitting fuel savings targets or boosting a vessel’s resale value.
Becoming the Strategic Backbone
The shipping industry is in a period of huge transformation — from digitalisation to decarbonisation. In this environment, technical managers have an opportunity to become the strategic backbone of shipping companies.
By combining hands-on technical expertise with data-driven decision-making and proactive planning, they help their companies stay competitive, resilient, and compliant with global standards.
Final Thought
Technical managers who embrace this shift from fixer to strategic enabler won’t just keep vessels running — they’ll keep the entire business moving forward.
As decarbonisation targets loom and markets become more demanding, shipping companies need technical teams who see the bigger picture, think ahead, and turn maintenance into a lever for long-term value.
Looking for ways to strengthen your vessel technical management? Start with small steps: invest in training, encourage knowledge sharing, and empower your teams to see the strategic impact of their daily work. Because when technical managers grow, the whole fleet benefits.