VPS - WHAT WE DO

VPS is a world-leading maritime decarbonisation advisory services company, dedicated to innovation and sustainability. We are the pioneers of marine fuel testing industry with over 40 years of experience. VPS testing and inspection services operate through five state-of-the-art laboratories, supported by a widespread network of commercial and technical advisory teams. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has established us as the clear market leader.

At VPS we are driven by a mission to protect our customers, our people, and the environment. By testing and inspecting fuel and oil in the Marine and Power industries, we gather crucial information that allows us to provide advice based on legislative and technical specifications. In line with our commitments to sustainability, we have developed digital products and acquired businesses focused on providing tools and solutions for greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Our guidance empowers our customers to enhance their business performance by optimising resource utilisation, minimising environmental emissions, and fostering sustainable operations.

As part of a global network, the VPS Barendrecht (Rotterdam) Laboratory tests fuel and lubricating oil samples from across Europe using both standard international test methods and in-house bespoke VPS methods. A Technical team based in Barendrecht translates these test results into actionable reports for shipping customers, providing advice and support on technical and regulatory matters (including troubleshooting, investigation of claims, co-ordination of witnessings, on-board inspections and training courses). This role manages the Technical Team and contributes to their outputs.  The team comprises a group of Registrars who are responsible for registering samples upon arrival at the Laboratory and a group of Technical Advisors, who report the test results to the end customer, providing advice and support on the quality of the fuel, lubes and condition of the ship’s equipment. The customers are mainly ship operators, with some power plants, fuel suppliers and regulatory authorities. VPS services are provided within an interactive context with various players with differing interests, but the primary customer is the Chief Engineer on board a ship who is responsible for the operation of the ship’s equipment. When damage occurs to a Ship’s equipment, such as the engine, Ship owners are interested to know whether this is related to fuel quality in order that they can recover damages from the fuel supplier. Independent, reliable and complete data are therefore extremely important to support claims in the case of disputes and the Technical Advisor plays and important role. And as shipowners are in midst of transition towards cleaner fuels such as bio-fuels and methanol, the Technical Advisor plays an important role in the assessment and advisory of these new developed fuels in the continuous improvement towards a cleaner environment.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Technical Advisor role reports to the Technical Manager with functional leadership provided by the Group Technical and Science Manager and work as part of a global Technical Advisory team with similar roles located across the world. The role requires technical knowledge of the impact that fuel quality can have on vessel equipment, particularly engine operations. The Technical Advisory team is responsible for translating the laboratory test results of fuel oil samples into readable reports and provide advice and support to customers.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordination of the day-to-day sample (test) recording process and preparation and sending of Fuel Quality Testing (FQT) reports based on the lab tested results available in VPS reporting system

This will be achieved by delivering the following objectives:

• Generating, preparing, checking, and issuing reports using VPS portal
• Providing support for setting new standards for new developed sustainable fuels.
• Data entry verification
• Issuing of work orders as and when necessary
• Assist sample registrars during the registration as and when required
• Co-ordinate with relevant region in case of any doubt in data entries and test results
• Suggest for improvements relating to the efficiency and quality of fuel and oil reporting tools
• Providing support to customers/sales regarding fuel related technical queries
• Support customers through the group technical email system and take necessary action as required
• Updating of in-house databases
• Liaise with laboratory management on behalf of customers
• Represent VPS at seminars by writing and presenting technical papers and presentations
• Publish articles and present fuel seminars
• Conduct investigations and report findings for troubleshooting and claim cases
• Some international travel may be required
• Ensure work is carried out in accordance with company procedures as described in the management system
• Ensuring a safe and tidy workplace.
• Any other duties as deemed necessary by management.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Seagoing experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering or Scientific field or relevant experience is preferable 
• Computer literate with experience in MS Office applications
• Be able to speak and write English fluently- our business language is English.
• You like to work together in a team.
• Communicatively strong and strong in planning and organizing.
• Analytical and able to detect correlations in available data / reports

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive base salary
• Pension plan
• Health coverage
• At least 29 days of annual leave (for full-time positions)
• Ample opportunities for both professional and personal growth

Together with the listed compensations, we offer a challenging, highly responsible, and creative position within a market leading organisation.