Full-Time

Chief Engineer

Seaspan

Seaspan

1,001-5,000 employees

Owns and operates large containership fleet

Compensation Overview

$73.22 - $77.13/hr

Terrace, BC, Canada

In Person

Category
Mechanical Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Propulsion

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Requirements
  • Valid 2nd Class Transport Canada Marine Motor engineering certificate and associated endorsements, MEDs, Marine Basic First Aid and Marine medical are required.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience as engineering officer onboard a similar vessel, including experience in charge of engineering duties on a vessel of 400 gross tons or larger.
  • Understanding of operation and use of all emergency equipment on board the vessel with emphasis being placed on location and use of fire fighting, live saving equipment, man overboard equipment, and safety apparatus.
  • Proficient on all vessel operational systems.
  • Knowledge of applicable Transport Canada and Classification Societies requirements.
  • Knowledge of marine terminologies and machinery parts.
  • Understanding of responsibilities under the CLC Part II and MOHS Regulations.
  • Understanding of all emergency equipment and all emergency duties.
  • Understanding of hazards associated with day-to-day activities.
  • Proficient with English language (verbal and written).
  • Team player and a creative problem solver.
  • Basic computer skills in MS Office.
  • Ability to maintain, monitor and repair marine diesel engines, hydraulic and electrical systems on the vessel.
  • Ability to work with a variety of individuals in various departments.
  • Organizational, time management and multi-tasking skills. Ability to work on their own while standing the engineering watch and coordinating the engineering responsibilities of a vessel.
  • Accuracy and a keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to work in tight spaces and with heavy pieces of equipment.
Responsibilities
  • The Chief Engineer is in charge of the engineering watch.
  • Performs troubleshooting and repairs of all machinery and equipment related breakdown.
  • Responsible for maintaining the propulsion, auxiliary, and safety equipment in accordance with the planned maintenance system.
  • Coordinates the work of external contractors when repairs are being facilitated onboard.
  • Liaises with the Port Engineering Team and Engineering Superintendent to facilitate repairs, contract visits, etc.
  • Provides thorough analysis of breakdowns and faults to Shore Engineering Team to facilitate quicker vessel recovery.
  • Conducts Deck Level Hazard Assessments (DLHA), along with the crew, to assess a specific work task prior to starting the work to determine if hazards are present.
  • Acts as a person in charge of all machinery spaces during incidents and onboard emergencies.
  • Works with the Superintendent on dry dock activities and facilitates vessel surveys and inspections.
  • Follows safe work practices and company’s Health, Safety, Wellness, Environmental and Quality Policies in line with the company’s core values.
  • Ensures that all new Engineering Department officers and crew members are familiar with relevant procedures.
  • Mentors and trains junior engineers on maintenance procedures.
  • Ensures efficient operation and maintenance of all plant and equipment associated with safety and anti-pollution as defined by statutory regulations and company procedures.
  • Complies with all company policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Maintains records of all routine and unscheduled maintenance as per requirements.
  • Maintains standby plants and systems in a complete state of readiness to meet any emergency requirement.
  • Tests standby systems on a regular basis and as per company procedures.
  • Responsible for the safety of personnel in the engine room. Notifies the Master of any defects that may affect vessel safety or put the marine environment at risk.
  • Assigns engineering officers or ratings specific roles with respect to Engineering Department responsibilities.
  • Assists in investigating all accidents and completing the necessary documentation for all lost-time accidents, medical aid and serious near-misses.
  • Takes the corrective actions necessary to prevent future similar incidents.
  • Performs vessel maintenance system and engine room inspections.
  • Ensures that the Oil Record Book and Engine Logbook are accurate and up to date.
  • Reports and responds to all incidents.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned.

Seaspan Corporation acts as an independent owner and operator of a large fleet of containerships. It buys and manages vessels and provides long-term, fixed-rate time charters to major global container liner companies, creating steady and predictable revenue while reducing exposure to short-term market swings. It differentiates itself by being the world’s largest independent charter owner and operator of containerships, focusing on asset ownership and long-duration charters rather than short-term leasing or third-party management. In November 2024 Seaspan announced a joint venture with Ocean Network Express called ONESEA to pool expertise and expand its operating footprint. The company’s goal is to offer reliable and economical vessel operations across global shipping routes through owned assets and durable charter agreements.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Post IPO Equity

Headquarters

Hong Kong

Founded

2000

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The $75M Maersk retrofit targets 10–13% slot cost reductions while preparing vessels for future carbon capture systems[1][2].
  • The completed 'Seaspan Yangtze' methanol retrofit cuts 30,000–50,000 metric tons of CO2e annually per vessel, extending operational life[1].
  • Yangzijiang's $825.7M investment for 10% of Poseidon strengthens vertical integration and aligns newbuild demand with shipyard planning[2].

What critics are saying

  • ONESEA joint venture concentration risk: ONE holds 10% of Poseidon and is a top charterer, risking unfavorable terms or asset diversion within 12–18 months[1][2].
  • Regulatory retrofit cost overrun on the 18-vessel Maersk program may inflate costs by 20–30% due to IMO 2026 carbon rules within 6–12 months[1][6].
  • Methanol retrofit supply chain failure on the Hapag-Lloyd program could stall deliveries past Q1 2026 due to Everllence engine delays within 3–9 months[1][6].

What makes Seaspan unique

  • Seaspan is the world's largest independent charter owner of containerships with 247 vessels and 2.5M TEU capacity[1][9].
  • The company operates exclusively on long-term, fixed-rate time charters to major liner companies, ensuring stable revenue[1][3].
  • Seaspan leads in asset modernization via the $75M Maersk retrofit and $120M Hapag-Lloyd methanol program, extending vessel lifecycles[1][2].

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Hybrid Work Options

401(k) Company Match

Wellness Program

Gym Membership

Employee Family Assistance Program

Paid Vacation

Parental Leave

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-8%

1 year growth

-8%

2 year growth

-8%
Alpha Navigation
Jul 9th, 2026
Seaspan and Maersk invest $75 million in containership upgrade programme.

Seaspan and Maersk invest $75 million in containership upgrade programme. Credit: Imabari Shipbuilding Seaspan and Maersk are expanding their efforts to improve fleet efficiency through a major upgrade programme covering 18 containerships on long-term charter. According to The Maritime Telegraph, the initiative focuses on lowering fuel consumption, increasing cargo capacity and helping vessels meet stricter environmental requirements. The largest upgrades will be carried out on four 13,000 TEU containerships. Rather than relying only on newbuild vessels, the companies are investing in modernising existing ships and extending their commercial value. The retrofit package includes propulsion improvements, shaft generators, high-efficiency propellers and other technologies designed to improve vessel performance and reduce fuel use. The ships will also be prepared for future carbon capture systems as the industry moves towards lower emissions. The upgrades will increase cargo capacity and provide greater loading flexibility. Seaspan and Maersk expect the improvements to reduce slot costs by around 10-13% while boosting overall operational efficiency. Seaspan said completed and planned investments under the 18-vessel programme total approximately $75 million. In addition, WattSpan, Seaspan's maritime technology and engineering joint venture, has signed a cooperation agreement with Maersk and COSCO Shipyard to support future vessel modification projects, energy-efficiency solutions and decarbonisation technologies.

Ship Management International
Jun 5th, 2026
Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan complete first methanol retrofit.

Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan complete first methanol retrofit. Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan Corporation have successfully completed the first conversion under their joint methanol retrofit program. With delivery of the 'Seaspan Yangtze', the first of five 10,100 TEU charter vessels has been upgraded from a conventional MAN S90 engine to a dual-fuel engine capable of operating on methanol. The conversion marks an important milestone in the strategic collaboration between Hapag-Lloyd, Seaspan Corporation and Everllence. The program also covers 'Seaspan Amazon', 'Seaspan Ganges', 'Seaspan Thames' and 'Seaspan Zambezi'. The overall investment for the five retrofits is estimated at around USD 120 million. "Retrofitting existing vessels is an important lever on our way to decarbonize our fleet operations by 2045," said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director Fleet at Hapag-Lloyd. "The successful conversion of the 'Seaspan Yangtze' shows that technical innovation and close cooperation with strong partners can make proven vessels ready for the use of low-carbon fuels. For our customers, this is another concrete step towards more sustainable supply chains." Each conversion can reduce CO2e emissions by approximately 30.000 - 50.000 metric tons per vessel per year when operating on low-carbon methanol. In addition to supporting emissions reductions, the project extends the operational use of existing vessels and increases fuel flexibility. Hapag-Lloyd points out that is pursuing its sustainability strategy through several levers, including newbuildings, dual-fuel retrofits, efficiency improvements in the existing fleet and the sourcing of alternative fuels. The conversion of the 'Seaspan Yangtze' demonstrates the role that existing ships can play in the transition towards low-carbon shipping, it highlights.

Seaspan Corp
Oct 19th, 2025
Seaspan Corporation Chairman, President & CEO Invited as Guest Speaker at Shanghai North Bund Forum 2025

Seaspan Corporation chairman, President & CEO invited as guest speaker at Shanghai North Bund Forum 2025. On October 19, the fifth North Bund Forum, co-hosted by the Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and jointly organized by COSCO SHIPPING Corporation Limited (COSCO) and China Shipowners Mutual Assurance Association (CPI), opened at the Grand Halls in Shanghai. This high-level event convened over 300 global maritime leaders. Chairman, President & CEO of Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd. (Seaspan), Mr. Bing Chen, was a featured speaker at two prominent forums, where he addressed the current state of the shipping industry and articulated Seaspan's pragmatic, long-term approach to sustainable quality growth. In his remarks, Mr. Chen emphasized the criticality of consistent operational excellence in navigating industry uncertainties. "In the face of geopolitical complexity and evolving environmental regulations, our certainty lies in delivering the practical, economical and reliable solutions - starting with ship retrofitting and technological upgrades," he stated, specifically highlighting the company's progressing SAVER program, which is designed to preserve vessel integrity while systematically improving the fleet's fuel efficiency. Against a backdrop of fuel transitions and regulatory shifts, Mr. Chen reinforced Seaspan's commitment to steady progress and strategic collaboration. "It is a great honor to be invited by both COSCO and CPI to contribute to these important discussions," he said. "This recognition underscores Seaspan's position as a trusted leader and a collaborative partner. We are at a pivotal moment for our industry, and forums like these are essential for fostering the collaboration crucial to navigate the future, from digitalization and green transformation to ensuring the sustainability of global trade." The North Bund Forum is a flagship international gathering for the global shipping industry, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, and academic experts to discuss critical trends shaping the future of maritime trade, technology, and sustainability. About Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd. Seaspan is the world's leading maritime asset-owner and operator focused on long-term, fixed-rate leases to the world's most prominent shipping lines. As of September 30, 2025, Seaspan's operating fleet consisted of 241 vessels, pro forma for undelivered newbuilds, including PCTCs and second-hand vessel purchase agreements, with a total fleet capacity of approximately 2.5 million TEU on a fully delivered basis.

International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)
May 26th, 2025
Seaspan completes largest US private placement in shipping | World Ports Organization

Containership owner and operator Seaspan Corporation, part of Atlas Corp., has entered into a note purchase agreement to issue, in a private placement,$500 millionprincipal amount of fixed rate, sustainability-linked senior secured notes.

Thailand Business News
Dec 10th, 2024
Seaspan Corporation Signs Agreement with KVH to Equip Fleet with OneWeb Low Earth Orbit Solution

As an early adopter of LEO technologies, Seaspan is the first major owner/operator of containerships to partner with KVH for its OneWeb solution.