Maral Gouda

Commercial Shipping Manager with 10+ years of experience in chartering, operations, and business development. Experienced in remote and hybrid international work environments, collaborating with global teams, shipowners, charterers, and brokers across multiple time zones.

Commercial Manager at Varamar Group (2022-02 – Present)

• Led the setup and launch of the Greek branch of Varamar Group (part of a global network of 14 offices), responsible for Greek office establishment, daily operations, financial and administrative management, and invoicing processes.
• Developed new business through direct relationships with shipowners, brokers, and charterers, originating chartering opportunities and generating fixtures.
• Fixed tonnage from the shipping market, primarily within the Handysize and Supramax size, securing employment across worldwide trades.
• Originated and concluded TC/VOY fixtures, from daily tonnage sourcing and market analysis to negotiation and charter party (CP) finalization.
• Maintained daily global market communication with shipowners, brokers, and charterers across multiple time zones, successfully negotiating and fixing vessels worldwide

Operations at Kyklades Maritime Co (2020-09 – 2021-12)

• Managed daily operations for a 22-vessel tanker fleet trading across global markets, including position tracking, voyage history updates, and PDA/FDAs processing
• Supported end-to-end chartering and post-fixture execution, including charter party (CP) reviews, fixture recaps, and voyage documentation preparation
• Coordinated worldwide voyage execution activities, including agent appointments, armed guards/escort arrangements, and voyage order issuance across multiple international ports and jurisdictions
• Maintained daily communication with captains and brokers across global trading routes, ensuring smooth operational execution and vessel performance worldwide

Operations at Marmaras Navigation Ltd (2019-05 – 2019-09)

• Prepared and issued voyage instructions, coordinated agent appointments, and maintained daily communication with brokers
• Managed and updated fleet position list for a 32-vessel dry cargo fleet operating in worldwide trades
• Reviewed B/L and LOI documentation, ensuring compliance and operational accuracy
• Prepared Cash to Master (CTM) for voyage operations across global ports

Finance at Interunity Management Corp (2016-07 – 2019-05)

• Managed hire statements and freight invoicing for a dry cargo fleet, including freight collection and daily communication with charterers and brokers
• Prepared and verified daily financial reports and journal entries, issued invoices, and maintained bank account and capital controls documentation
• Performed account reconciliations and monitored vendor ledger balances, including monthly covenant reporting and compliance checks
• Coordinated daily communication with vendors regarding accounts payable/receivable and ledger accuracy

ICS – Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (2021 – 2022)

MSc in Maritime Policy & Shipping Management – Cardiff University (2019 – 2020)

BSc in Maritime Shipping & Economics – University of Piraeus (2012 – 2016)