Commercial Shipping FAQs
Looking for a shore-based role in commercial shipping? Whether you're moving ashore, changing roles, or returning to the industry, we're here to help. Explore our FAQs to learn more about the roles we recruit for and how to take the next step in your commercial shipping career.
How do I register for job opportunities in commercial shipping?
You can register your details on the Faststream Recruitment website by uploading your CV and creating a candidate profile. Once registered, you can apply for jobs directly, set up job alerts, and be contacted by our consultants when suitable opportunities arise.
Can I apply for jobs if I don’t have experience in commercial shipping but have a maritime background?
Yes, many shore-based commercial shipping roles value transferable maritime experience. Seafarers or those from related sectors (e.g. naval, marine services, or port operations) often bring valuable technical or operational knowledge that aligns well with commercial shipping positions.
Do I need seafaring experience to apply for shore-based commercial shipping roles?
Not always. While some roles, like Marine or Technical Superintendent positions, may require seagoing experience (e.g. Master Mariner, Chief Engineer), others, such as operations, chartering, commercial analysis or crewing, often welcome candidates with relevant onshore or academic backgrounds.
What kind of companies do you work with in the commercial shipping sector?
Faststream partners with a wide range of employers across the global shipping industry. This includes ship owners, ship managers, operators, charterers, maritime service providers, classification societies, and port and terminal operators.
What types of shore-based commercial shipping roles do you typically recruit for?
We recruit for a broad spectrum of roles, including:
- Chartering Manager
- Commercial Operator
- Head of Chartering & Broking
- Barge Charterer
- Ship Operator
- Legal Counsel
- Demurrage Analyst
- Operations Executive
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Bunker Purchasing Manager
- Dry Bulk Broker
Do you recruit for commercial shipping roles across the world?
Yes, Faststream operates globally and places candidates across EMEA, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Many of our clients are international businesses seeking professionals with global experience or a willingness to relocate.
Are hybrid or remote roles available in commercial shipping?
The availability of hybrid or remote work depends on the nature of the role. Some positions, particularly those involving vessel inspections or operational oversight, require travel and office presence. Others, such as analyst or commercial support roles, may offer greater flexibility.
I don’t see a suitable commercial shipping role on your website. What should I do?
We recommend registering your CV and setting up tailored job alerts. Not all jobs are advertised publicly; some are filled confidentially or through our existing candidate networks. Our consultants may also contact you directly when a suitable opportunity becomes available.
Can I apply if I’ve been out of the industry for a while?
Yes. We regularly work with candidates looking to re-enter the commercial shipping sector. If you have relevant previous experience, many employers are open to returners, especially if you can demonstrate up-to-date industry awareness and a willingness to re-engage with training or certifications where needed.
Latest Insights
View All Insights
Employer of Record (EOR) – Myths vs Facts for Maritime Businesses
Employer of Record (EOR) solutions are becoming a key part of maritime workforce strategy, but misconceptions still surround what they actually do. Some see EOR as a quick fix for hiring, while oth...
Regulate Your Hiring Spend with Employer of Record (EOR)
Rising costs, unpredictable project cycles, and global workforce shortages are pushing maritime leaders to rethink how they hire. Balancing financial control with the need for flexibility is no sma...
10 Reasons Maritime Businesses Are Turning to Employer of Record (EOR) Services
From crew mobility to compliance across borders, maritime businesses face unique HR challenges. Managing an international workforce across ship management, crewing, and shore-based operations often...
The Superintendent Employment Report 2025: What You Need to Know
The superintendent profession is changing fast.To understand how superintendents feel about their work, rewards, and prospects, Faststream Recruitment surveyed over 1,000 professionals across all m...
Top 5 Human Skills for Maritime Careers in 2025
Human skills, often called “soft skills”, have developed over the last 10 years, reflecting the unique context of the maritime and shipping industries. Due to global trade, onboard operations, reg...
Build, Buy, Borrow or Bot: What Is Your Maritime Workforce Strategy?
The maritime and shipping sectors are undergoing one of their most significant shifts in decades. Decarbonisation, digitalisation, and demographic change are reshaping the way businesses operate an...
Why Passive Candidates Are the Key to Senior Hires in Maritime
Hiring senior maritime talent isn’t about posting a job and waiting for applications. The reality is that the very best leaders are rarely looking. They are already delivering results, leading team...
Inside the Minds of Maritime’s Top Executives
The highly anticipated Senior Maritime Executive Report 2025 is here, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the realities facing the industry’s top leaders. Produced internally by Faststream Rec...
Succession Planning in the Maritime Industry: Why It Can’t Wait
The maritime industry is on the cusp of a leadership shift. Many of today’s senior executives are edging closer to retirement, according to our Senior Maritime Executive Survey 2025, while the next...
The Most Important People Issues in Maritime 2025
Every challenge in maritime today, whether it’s about growth, innovation, or resilience, can be traced back to one factor: people. Behind the numbers, the story is always the same. A project was de...
Global Maritime Employer Considerations and Regional Challenges in Reward
Reward strategies now have to do more, go deeper, and flex harder, especially for global employers. Employees want pay that reflects where they live, what they value, and where they’re going. Compe...
Pay Equity in Maritime
Internal versus external pay equity: two sides of the same coin? Pay equity is a core component of a fair and effective reward strategy. For maritime businesses, it plays an important role in attra...