Technical manager, chief engineer ship

What does a technical manager do in ship operations? – Tasks and work environment

A technical manager, or engineering manager in ship operations, is responsible for the ship's mechanical systems and ensures that everything functions safely and efficiently onboard. Tasks include leading the engineering crew, planning and performing maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing machinery and technical installations. The role also involves documentation, safety procedures, and collaboration with other onboard managers to ensure smooth ship operations and compliance with laws and regulations. The work environment is often technically complex and requires a high degree of problem-solving skills. The work is usually carried out on larger ships within both commercial fleets and passenger ships.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a technical manager, ship engineering manager, has shown a relatively stable trend. In 2022, the average salary was 44,300 SEK, while in 2023 it slightly decreased to 43 900 SEK. In 2024, it increased again to 45 100 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 2.7% compared to the previous year. The overall trend indicates that the profession has a stable salary development, which can be explained by continued demand for qualified engineering officers and technical managers in the shipping industry. Variations between years are small and mainly reflect market needs and the availability of trained personnel.

Technical manager, ship salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 45 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,400 SEK/month (men), 35,700 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 51,000 SEK/month (men), 39,100 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 271 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 45 700 SEK, women 39,100 SEK (highest reported salary)
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a technical manager or engineering officer on a ship, a post-secondary maritime education in mechanical engineering is usually required. The education includes both theoretical knowledge and extensive practical training at sea. In addition to formal degrees, certifications and licenses according to international conventions are required, and sometimes specialized courses depending on the type of ship and employer.

• Post-secondary maritime education: Usually 3 years or more
• Certificates for engineering officers, classes I–III: According to the Swedish Transport Agency's requirements
• Onboard practical training: Several months of service at sea
• Basic safety training: Mandatory
• Pre-requisites: High school diploma, often with a technical focus

Common benefits and compensations

Technical managers in shipping are often offered additional compensations beyond base salary, such as per diems during international assignments, favorable pension schemes, free travel to and from ships, and paid leave between service periods. Other benefits may include health insurance, further training opportunities, and access to wellness allowances.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a technical manager, ship engineering manager, is generally moderate but can vary depending on economic conditions and the size of the fleet. A challenge is that the profession requires high specialization and flexibility, as technology and regulations change rapidly. The work environment can be demanding with long periods at sea, which places particular demands on work capacity and the ability to handle isolation. The shortage of women in the profession is also reflected in salary data, where information is limited. The technological development within shipping also requires continuously updated knowledge to remain competitive.

Tips for those who want to become a technical manager, ship engineering manager

To succeed as a technical manager, ship engineering manager, it is helpful to be analytical and able to quickly identify technical problems onboard. A high sense of responsibility is needed, as safety for both crew and ship depends on the engineer's judgment and decisions. Being communicative and able to lead a team is crucial, especially when coordinating maintenance and assigning tasks. Flexibility and stress tolerance are required to handle unexpected situations at sea. Continual further education and staying updated on new technical solutions within shipping also provide an advantage in the job market. Good teamwork skills and an interest in an international environment are also valuable qualities in this role.

Key facts about Technical Manager, Ship Engineering Manager

• Education level: Post-secondary maritime education (at least 3 years)
• Work environment: Onboard ships, often in international traffic
• Work pattern: Shift work with periods at sea and leave on land
• Demand: 412 job openings within the engineering officer group (2024)
• Special skills: Mechanical engineering, safety procedures, leadership

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a technical manager, ship engineering manager, opportunities open for advancement within the shipping sector, such as to a senior technical manager at a shipping company or inspector roles on land. Some choose to move into training assignments or consultancy within marine engineering. According to the latest forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service, a clear outlook for future recruitment is not available, but there are 412 job openings within the engineering officer group, indicating ongoing demand. The technological development within shipping and increased environmental and energy efficiency requirements are expected to sustain the demand for qualified engineering managers in the future.

Frequently asked questions about Technical Manager, Ship Engineering Manager

• What does a technical manager, ship engineering manager, earn?
  - The average salary is 45 100 SEK per month according to the latest statistics for 2024.
• What education is required to become a technical manager on a ship?
  - Post-secondary maritime education in mechanical engineering and certification for engineering officers are required.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Specific regional differences are not available in the accessible statistics.
• What is the working environment like for engineering managers?
  - The work environment is onboard ships, often in international traffic with shift work and periods at sea.
• What career opportunities are there after a few years?
  - Opportunities include advanced managerial roles, inspector positions, or training assignments within marine engineering.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - There are 412 available jobs within the engineering officer group according to current statistics.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Analytical skills, sense of responsibility, leadership, and stress tolerance are key qualities.