Suneel Kumar Kohli

As Regional Operations Manager, I manage a fleet pool of MR, LR, and VLCC vessels trading in CPP and crude, with full responsibility for end-to-end voyage management from pre-fixture through post-fixture execution. My role includes ensuring strict compliance with charter party terms, oil major requirements, and vetting standards, while optimizing TCE through effective cargo planning, voyage optimization, and tank cleaning management.

I oversee all marine and port operations, including ship–shore interface, cargo operations, tank cleaning readiness, and vetting-related matters, working closely with vessel owners, Masters, technical managers, brokers, charterers, and port agents to ensure safe and efficient execution. I also handle operational issues, claims, and exceptions, ensuring timely resolution and minimal commercial impact.

Beyond daily operations, I implement operational and commercial strategies to enhance profitability, conduct performance reviews, and actively engage stakeholders to deliver reliable service and strengthen long-term partnerships. I mentor and develop team members while driving continuous improvement across operational performance, safety, and compliance.

As Operations Manager in the chemical tanker market, I lead a team of operators and claims personnel, providing comprehensive operational support to brokers for vessel fixtures and port-fixture activities. My responsibilities include close coordination with owners and charterers on all documentation requirements during vessels going on subs and through to post-fixture execution, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with charter party terms.

I manage voyage and port-related operational matters including Bills of Lading issuance, laytime and demurrage calculations, claims handling, and delivery or redelivery dispute resolution. Working closely with brokers, owners, charterers, terminals, and agents, I ensure smooth vessel employment and efficient cargo movements while supporting fixture negotiations and resolving operational or documentation-related issues.

In addition, I am actively involved in training and mentoring young operators with no sailing background, equipping them with practical operational knowledge, charter party understanding, and commercial awareness. Through structured guidance and hands-on involvement, I help develop a competent operations team capable of supporting brokers and delivering reliable post-fixture performance.

Served as Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer (CSO), performing security audits, advising vessels transiting High-Risk Areas, and coordinating with PFSO, Flag State, and IMP. Executed internal ISM/ISPS/MLC audits to ensure compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, Loadline, STCW, and MLC conventions, verifying corrective action implementation. Assisted the HSEQ Manager in external audits (flag, TMSA, class) and ensured closure of compliance gaps, while monitoring third-party inspections including oil major, CDI, RightShip, and flag audits, preparing timely responses to observations.

Maintained records of accidents, incidents, near misses, and non-conformance reports, conducting investigations and recommending corrective actions for timely closure. Served on the emergency response team, managing onboard emergencies from ashore and coordinating media communication. Conducted extensive vessel inspections and audits covering navigation, mooring, environmental, cargo operations, and live operations, actively promoting the company’s safety culture.

Prepared yearly management reports, conducted monthly reviews of near misses and unsafe acts, and shared lessons learned with vessels. Maintained vessel approvals per owner and charter party requirements, and fostered professional relationships with oil majors, RightShip, Flag, and class. Oversaw cargo operations, tank cleaning, gas freeing, and cargo hold preparation for bulk carriers, tracked vessel performance against KPIs, and contributed to operational efficiency, safety, and compliance standards, enhancing the organization’s reputation.

As Commercial Operations Manager for the Chemical Business Unit at MISC Berhad, I oversaw end-to-end chartering operations for IMO 2 & 3 Oil/Chemical tankers, including PE/SS/ML/Zinc-coated vessels. I managed Annex I & II cargoes, Veg Oil, and Specialty Chemicals for both company-owned and T/C In vessels, ensuring full compliance with Charter Party terms through close coordination with charterers and brokers. I also mentored chartering and post-fixture executives, handled incident reporting, and managed claims, contests, and settlements.

I monitored daily commercial operations, including NOR tendering, vessel performance, port rotations, and cargo planning, maximizing TCE results. Conducted detailed vessel inspections, overseeing parcel tankers with up to 34 tanks, coordinated multi-parcel chemical loadings, and advised on pre-wash and tank cleaning operations to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency. Maintained strong relationships with Oil Major supply chain and logistics teams and liaised with the Insurance Department to ensure compliance with AWRP requirements.

Additionally, I planned and monitored bunker requirements aligned with vessel fixtures, contributing to optimized operational performance. Overall, my tenure was marked by integrated expertise in chartering operations, compliance assurance, safety management, and strategic planning, significantly enhancing the efficiency and success of the Chemical Business Unit.

I had the privilege of contributing to Anglo-Eastern, a leading management company in the maritime sector, where I gained in-depth exposure to the operational and compliance challenges faced by such organizations. During my tenure, I played a key role in preparing bulk carriers for RightShip vetting and overseeing comprehensive pre-vetting preparations for oil tankers, including ISM/ISPS audits across various vessel types. I was also actively involved in vetting inspections on chemical tankers, ensuring strict compliance and readiness for CDI inspections.

Additionally, I oversaw Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management during the dry-docking of a Heavy Lift Carrier, further enhancing my understanding of the interface between shipboard operations and shipyard processes. To support my professional development, I completed certifications in NEBOSH, OHSAS, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001, demonstrating my commitment to safety, quality, and environmental stewardship.

These experiences have strengthened my expertise in vetting, compliance, HSE, and operational management, positioning me as a seasoned maritime professional equipped to address the complex challenges of the industry.

During my extensive seafaring career, I have gained broad experience across global trade routes, navigating complex operational challenges with multinational crews, primarily in Europe and the USA. I have served on a variety of vessel types, including Suezmax, Aframax, LR1, LR2, Handymax, and Oil-Chem IMO-2, giving me a deep understanding of the operational nuances of each class.

As a Master, I have successfully managed numerous inspections and surveys, including USCG inspections, ISM/ISPS audits, Class surveys (Annual/Intermediate/Special), internal/external audits, and SIRE vetting inspections, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices. I have also overseen and executed dry-docking operations, maintaining vessels’ operational integrity.

In addition, I have specialized training and experience in helicopter operations, serving as a Helicopter Landing Officer, ensuring safe and efficient offshore operations. My cargo-handling expertise spans chemicals, clean and dirty products, and crude cargoes, including challenging cargoes with heating requirements, high paraffin content, or elevated H2S levels. This breadth of experience underscores my ability to manage complex maritime operations while upholding the highest standards of safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency.