Shipping & Logistics
Vessel Operations Manager — Global Hiring Overview
Vessel Operations Managers run day-to-day voyage operations — port calls, bunkers, demurrage, and performance for owners and operators.
Median Salary
$105k
$75.6k – $147k
Demand Score
92/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
3.2K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+13%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for vessel operations managers in the global maritime market is exceptionally strong. Maritime employers report a 13% year-on-year increase in Vessel Operations Manager mandates, driven by fleet expansion, ESG and emissions compliance, and the digitalisation of commercial shipping.
Salary Trend
Vessel Operations Manager compensation typically falls between $75.6k and $147k, with experienced vessel opss in the global maritime market commanding $147k+ at leading shipowners, managers, ports, cruise operators, and offshore players. Total compensation often includes leave pay, travel, joining bonuses, performance pay, and ship-type or DP allowances.
Career Path
Vessel Operations Managers typically progress to Shipping Manager, Fleet Manager roles, or into fleet manager, head of operations, and commercial / chartering leadership across the global hiring maritime market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Run voyage operations end-to-end
- •Manage port calls, bunkers, and disbursements
- •Drive demurrage and performance
Qualifications
- •Maritime / logistics background
- •5+ years vessel operations experience
For Shipowners, Ports & Maritime Employers
Hire qualified vessel operations managers on CosmoQuick
Shipowners, ship managers, container lines, cruise lines, port authorities, terminals, shipyards, and offshore operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted vessel operations managers worldwide.
Vessel Operations Manager jobs by city
Vessel Operations Manager jobs in Dubai
5.9K openings · $137k
Vessel Operations Manager jobs in Abu Dhabi
4.6K openings · $134k
Vessel Operations Manager jobs in Fujairah
4K openings · $110k
Vessel Operations Manager jobs in Doha
5.0K openings · $137k
Vessel Operations Manager jobs in Ras Laffan
4.2K openings · $116k
Vessel Operations Manager jobs in Dammam
4.5K openings · $116k
Vessel Operations Manager jobs in Jeddah
4.6K openings · $116k
Vessel Operations Manager jobs in Muscat
3.5K openings · $110k
Vessel Operations Manager jobs in Manama
3.2K openings · $116k
Vessel Operations Manager salary insights
Vessel Operations Manager salary in Dubai
$137k
Vessel Operations Manager salary in Abu Dhabi
$134k
Vessel Operations Manager salary in Fujairah
$110k
Vessel Operations Manager salary in Doha
$137k
Vessel Operations Manager salary in Ras Laffan
$116k
Vessel Operations Manager salary in Dammam
$116k
Vessel Operations Manager salary in Jeddah
$116k
Vessel Operations Manager salary in Muscat
$110k
Vessel Operations Manager salary in Manama
$116k
Hiring by maritime industry
Shipping Companies hiring Vessel Operations Managers
Shipowners and operators across container, bulk, tanker, LNG, and specialised trades hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
Container Liners hiring Vessel Operations Managers
Global container lines, alliances, and feeder operators hiring across vessel and shore operations
Bulk Shipping Operators hiring Vessel Operations Managers
Dry bulk owners and operators across Capesize, Panamax, and Handysize fleets
Tanker Operators hiring Vessel Operations Managers
Crude, product, chemical, and gas tanker operators hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
LNG Shipping Operators hiring Vessel Operations Managers
LNG and LPG shipping operators hiring across specialised gas-carrier operations
Cruise Lines hiring Vessel Operations Managers
Ocean and river cruise operators hiring marine crew, hotel teams, and entertainment staff worldwide
Port Authorities hiring Vessel Operations Managers
Port authorities and operators running container, bulk, multi-purpose, and cruise terminals
Terminal Operators hiring Vessel Operations Managers
Global and regional terminal operators hiring across container, bulk, and energy terminals
Shipyards hiring Vessel Operations Managers
Newbuild and repair yards hiring across engineering, production, and project management
Related specialties
Related maritime roles
Frequently Asked Questions
The median salary for a Vessel Operations Manager in the global maritime market is around $105k, typically ranging from $75.6k to $147k based on rank, sea-time, type experience, and the maritime employer.