Director Alternative Fuel Operations
This role based in Weybridge UK
Journey with us!
Combine your career goals and sense of adventure by joining our dynamic Global Marine Operations team Royal Caribbean Group is pleased to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package and excellent career development opportunities each offering unique ways to explore the world
About Us
Royal Caribbean Group is the world’s largest cruise line It couldn’t be a more exciting time to join a global business that is blazing a trail in the travel industry right now
At Royal Caribbean Group we never rest on our laurels; we constantly strive to improve our work and be at the forefront of the industry The work that we do is exciting challenging and innovative We are passionate we are innovative and we are unstoppable
The Role
The Director Alternative Fuel Operations is Royal Caribbean Group's technical owner on alternative fuels — the expert the company turns to as it transitions from conventional marine fuels to LNG methanol and the next generation of low-carbon energy sources
This is a high-impact highly visible role that sits at the intersection of engineering operations and fleet decarbonization strategy You will owe the technical integrity of alternative fuel systems across both newbuild vessels and the existing fleet ensuring every system is safe compliant and scalable before deployment
You will operate across a complex stakeholder landscape — working alongside classification societies flag administrations OEM partners port authorities and internal teams spanning Marine Technology Finance and shipboard leadership Financial accountability is real: you will lead CAPEX planning and retrofit cost control and you will build the techno-economic models that guide the Group’s long-term fuel strategy
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Authority — Alternative Fuel Systems
Own the technical governance of all alternative fuel systems across the fleet from LNG and methanol through emerging low-carbon solutions ensuring safe reliable
- and fully compliant operation at all times
Define and maintain the engineering standards operating procedures and safety envelopes that govern fuel bunkering commissioning maintenance- and emergency response
Lead design assurance and technical validation for alternative fuel systems on newbuild and retrofit vessels — covering storage fuel gas supply control architecture- and integrated safety systems
Evaluate emerging technologies and digital tools (condition monitoring fuel optimization decision-support platforms) for their potential to improve performance efficiency- and safety margins
Fleet Operations & Technical Support
Serve as the second-line technical authority for alternative fuel incidents and performance deviations
- leading structured root-cause investigations through verified corrective action
Produce executive-level reporting on system performance retrofit progress and risk exposure translating complex technical data into clear- decision-ready insights for senior leadership
Build and sustain strong working relationships with Marine Technology Marine Technical Operations- and onboard leadership teams to drive consistent governance and effective knowledge transfer across the fleet
Regulatory Classification & Industry Engagement
Act as the primary technical point of contact with classification societies flag administrations and port authorities on system approval certification
- and ongoing operational compliance
Lead technical audits ship visits- and operational readiness assessments to validate compliance and confirm the integrity of alternative fuel systems in service
Manage strategic relationships with key OEMs and industry partners (Wärtsilä ABB DNV Lloyd’s Register and others) to stay ahead of technology evolution regulatory shifts- and optimization opportunities
Project Vendor & Cross-Functional Integration
Monitor and technically assess OEM bulletins safety notices and design updates
- translating findings into coordinated engineering evaluations and implementation plans
Collaborate with Energy Management and fuel supply teams on efficiency initiatives fuel availability constraints- and long-term alternative fuel pathways
Support Newbuilding projects with alternative fuel system specifications performance guarantees- and technical acceptance criteria
Capital Projects & Decarbonization Strategy
Lead the technical input to CAPEX planning and retrofit programs maintaining cost discipline managing risk
- and ensuring alignment with the Group’s long-term decarbonization commitments
Build and maintain techno-economic models to evaluate competing fuel strategies assess lifecycle costs- and quantify return on investment across fleet scenarios
Help shape the roadmap for scaling alternative fuel adoption across the fleet- ensuring operational readiness and long-term commercial and environmental sustainability
Financial & Program Management
Develop integrated technical–financial models for alternative fuel retrofit programs incorporating lifecycle cost risk weighting
- and performance assumptions
Provide engineering-based variance analysis for CAPEX deviations- giving finance teams transparent technical justification for any scope or cost changes
Maintain accountability for assigned CAPEX project budgets- ensuring disciplined scope control and measurable value delivery
Qualifications & Technical Competencies
Education
Degree in Marine Engineering
- Mechanical or Energy Engineering — with hands-on experience in ship systems engineering and operations
Master’s degree in an engineering discipline is required- A PhD is a genuine differentiator for this role
Experience
Direct hands-on experience with alternative or low-carbon marine fuel systems LNG methanol ammonia or equivalent are essential This is the core of the role
- and candidates without it will not be considered
15+ years in vessel technical operations energy management fleet optimization or engineering leadership- with a significant portion of that time spent on alternative fuel programs/systems
A track record of taking alternative fuel systems from concept or specification through commissioning and in-service operation- ideally across multiple vessel classes and/or fuel types
Demonstrated strength in technical project management long-term financial modelling- and cross-functional engineering coordination
Proven experience engaging with classification societies flag states- and major OEMs on complex technical programs
- Cruise line experience (technical or newbuild) is a meaningful advantage
Technical Skills
Deep understanding of marine systems integration: propulsion auxiliary systems HVAC
- and fuel systems
Strong capability in engineering analysis and data-driven decision-making- with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; programming experience is a plus
Fluency with IMO regulations classification society rules- and flag state compliance frameworks as they apply to alternative fuels
Leadership & Communication
Credible communicator across all levels — able to brief a classification society inspector advise a Chief Engineer
- or present to the executive team with equal clarity
Collaborative by nature with the ability to align diverse stakeholders (shipboard shoreside regulatory- commercial) around shared technical goals
We know there's a lot to consider As you go through the application process our recruiters will be glad to provide guidance and more relevant details to answer any additional questions
It is the policy of the Company to ensure equal employment and promotion opportunity to qualified candidates without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race colour religion sex age national origin disability sexual orientation sexuality gender identity or expression marital status or any other characteristic protected by law Royal Caribbean Group and each of its subsidiaries prohibit and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment
Thank you again for your interest in Royal Caribbean Group We'll hope to see you onboard soon!
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