Thomas Austin Harris

A motivated, analytical, problem solver. Experienced leading multicultural cross-functional teams, with a focus on cost optimisation and the implementation of emerging technology. Highly resilient having worked internationally in challenging markets, delivering successful results on high CAPEX projects >$100m.  

I have had the opportunity to work on some of the industry’s most innovative decarbonization and ESG projects and I take great pride in the contributions I have made to improving the future of the maritime sector and the global impact of such initiatives. Experienced with Offshore, Cargo and Passenger Vessels.

General Manager (Newbuild and Dry Dock), Marcas

V.Group | Monaco 2022-Present

• Launched a new Business Unit to provide Shipyard Brokerage services for high complexity projects
• Led the newbuild tender, commercial negotiations, technical negotiations, and contract negotiations for the world’s largest Cable Lay Vessels. A potential contact value in excess of 1 billion USD
• Managing tender process and negotiations for technologically driven Green Vessel projects, with a global network of leading shipyards for both newbuild and retrofit projects across Europe and Asia
• Collaboration with Ship Designers, Shipyards, OEM’s and Financial Institutions on Alternative Fuels 

General Manager (Projects and Newbuilds), SeaTec

V.Group | Monaco 2018-2022

• Responsible for Business Unit comprising; Engineering, Project Management, Finance and Admin Teams across Monaco, Glasgow, Singapore, Shanghai, and Chennai
• Subject Matter Expert and Project Sponsor for Newbuilds of Cruise, Offshore and Cargo vessels
• Responsible for budget preparation, resources planning and growth forecasts for the department
• Established SeaTec as market leader for technical services in the Offshore Renewables sector
• Collaborated on V.Groups entry into the LNG sector, supporting the bid to bring the first LNG Vessel (a Bunker Barge) into V.Ships ship management
• Headed expansion in China, adding new services lines, open branch offices in Nantong and Tianjin and overseeing a 300% growth in EBITDA between 2020 and 2021
• Adapted the companies retrofit and conversion services from the leisure sector to the cargo sector, leading to over 50 scrubber and over 150 ballast water installation projects
• Developed EEXI and CII products, designated a group Subject Matter Expert on decarbonisation, representing V.Group at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping
• Initiated a partnership for the validation of decarbonisation retrofits and monetisation through Carbon Credits, to incentivise eco retrofit investment. Spoke as a Marine Money Panellist on the subject
• Liaison to group legal on contractual matters, claims and disputes and expansions into new territories 

Technical Project Manager

Maersk Line | Singapore 2015-2017

• Directed multiple high CAPEX projects (>$100m) completing them on average >15% under budget
• Led the tendering process and commercial negotiations with shipyards and suppliers for the Radical Retrofit projects. Responsible for presenting final recommendation to the Executive Team 
• Implemented a construction optimisation plan in collaboration with the shipyard, reducing out of service time from 62 to 39 days for a series of vessels undergoing retrofit
• Developed strategic relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers, to ensure prioritised deliver slots and reduced lead times for critical path components, expediting program implementation
• Conducted a process improvement review on vendor selections and renegotiation of commercial terms resulting in a total cost reduction of $8m across all categories 
• Initiated workshops with shipyards for coaching on safety procedures leading to a 90% reduction in incidents on site over a 12-month period
• Managed Project and Site Supervision Teams across different international offices and shipyards
• Achieved numerous industry firsts, receiving recognition from the Singaporean government for reductions in CO2 emissions

Naval Architect

BP | London 2011-2015

• Shipbuilding Specification development and technical negotiations with shipyards for newbuilds
• Plan Approval and Design Review activities for various newbuild vessel designs including LNG Carriers, Oil Tankers and Offshore Supply Vessels
• Organised workshops with Sea Staff and Marine Superintendents on design ergonomics, operability review and Makers List equipment selection for newbuild projects
• Site Construction Supervision for the newbuild of a series of Platform Supply Vessels in Korea
• Designed a fleet wide Performance Monitoring strategy, demonstrating opportunity for an average of 8% reduction in fuel consumption across all vessel’s classes
• Co-author of multiple guidance papers for SIGTTO and OCIMF to improve industry safety regulations
• Planned and executed dry dock scopes as Structural and Coating Superintendent for assigned vessels in the BP fleet at shipyards worldwide
• Supported FPSO end of life off station preparation by providing structural assurance, inspection planning, on site supervision of NDT and Classification Society liaison for towing certification

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

SDA Bocconi | Milan 2018

Master of Engineering (MENG) hons Naval Architecture

Newcastle University | Newcastle 2011