London, England, United Kingdom · On-site
Not Everyone Is Cut Out to Be a Chief Engineer on Tugs - That’s Exactly the Point. Svitzer is looking for a Chief Engineer to join our London operation. This is not a supervisory role from the sidelines. As Chief Enginee…
Skills: Fault-finding, Maintenance, Problem-solving, Harbour Towage, Small-vessel Engineering
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
Responsible for the hands-on maintenance and operation of high-power tug machinery in a safety-critical port environment. Ensures the condition, safety, and readiness of the engine room to minimize downtime.
Requires a minimum STCW III/3 Chief Engineer certification <6000kW and a valid ENG1. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK and strong technical problem-solving skills.
Svitzer is looking for a Chief Engineer to join our London operation.
This is not a supervisory role from the sidelines.
As Chief Engineer, you are hands-on, accountable, and ultimately responsible for keeping powerful tug vessels operational in a demanding, safety-critical environment where downtime is not an option.
If you want real ownership, technical challenge, and responsibility this is the role where it counts.
Maintaining and operating high-power tug machinery in a live port environment
Diagnosing faults and fixing problems under pressure
Owning the condition, safety, and readiness of your engine room
Supporting the Master and crew to keep the tug operational at all times
Working as part of a small, professional crew where trust and competence matter
If you’re looking for a desk-based Chief Engineer role, this isn’t it.
If you want to be trusted with real authority and responsibility, it probably is.
Because tug engineering should be done properly.
1 week on / 1 week off rotation – work hard, then properly switch off
Modern, well-maintained fleet – no corner-cutting, no neglected machinery
A company that expects high standards — and backs you to meet them
Local technical support – close, capable, responsive
We don’t promise an easy job.
We promise one worthy of the title Chief Engineer.
Competitive Salary of £68,440.88 per annum
Permanent, Time-for-Time contract
Pension matched up to 10%
Life Cover (4x pensionable salary) and Single Private Medical Insurance
Uniforms and PPE provided
Employee Assistance Programme
Minimum STCW III/3 Chief Engineer <6000kW (III/2 Unlimited preferred)
Valid ENG1 and STCW certification (minimum 6 months validity)
Strong fault-finding, maintenance, and problem-solving skills
Harbour towage or small-vessel experience preferred
A professional mindset and pride in safe, reliable engineering
The right to live and work in the UK
This is a senior engineering role for someone who wants responsibility, challenge, and influence — not just a job title.
If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.
In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.
Leading sustainable marine services, innovating with and for people, customers and communities
Founded in 1833, Svitzer builds on almost 200 years of experience, and our powerful tugboats and experts in towage work tirelessly to keep goods flowing, businesses thriving, and communities connected. Today, Svitzer is a leading global port and terminal infrastructure provider, serving approximately 2,000 customers in 141 ports and 40 terminals across 37 countries through a fleet of 456 vessels.
Offices: Sundkrogsgade 17, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark 2150, DK
Leading sustainable marine services, innovating with and for people, customers and communities
Founded in 1833, Svitzer builds on almost 200 years of experience, and our powerful tugboats and experts in towage work tirelessly to keep goods flowing, businesses thriving, and communities connected. Today, Svitzer is a leading global port and terminal infrastructure provider, serving approximately 2,000 customers in 141 ports and 40 terminals across 37 countries through a fleet of 456 vessels.
Offices: Sundkrogsgade 17, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark 2150, DK
