Wassim Kennou

International maritime executive with nearly 20 years of experience in offshore operations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Progressed from Master Mariner to group-level fleet leadership, with responsibility spanning operations, commercial performance, technical management and HSE.

Currently

Head of Fleet at Bourbon Ships Marine, translating Executive Committee priorities into day-to-day fleet performance. Company representative on the IMCA Dynamic Positioning Committee and recognised specialist in Dynamic Positioning and anchor handling.

Head of Fleet at Bourbon Ships Marine (2025-01 – Present)

100 vessels, 4 ship-management regions

• Lead the operational, commercial and regulatory performance of Bourbon's global offshore fleet.
• Manage 4 Fleet Managers and work across Technical, HSE, Maintenance, Crewing and Procurement functions.
• Translate Executive Committee priorities into operational, budget and HSE targets across the fleet.
• Reduced technical downtime to 1.6-1.7% and the OVID score to 4.2%, with 0 major nonconformities.
• Act as Designated Person Ashore and main point of contact for flag administrations, classification societies and external auditors.
• Advise the Head of Shipmanagement on operational risks, fleet priorities and performance, and co-lead management reviews.
• Accelerated closure of external audit findings to within 6 months, while maintaining the standard 3-month closure period for internal audits and avoiding any suspension of class.
• Played a leading role in bringing 4 regional ship-management organizations into a single operating model under Bourbon Ships Marine.

Business Performance Manager at Bourbon Marine & Logistics (BOSC) (2024-01 – 2025-01)

Global Fleet Performance & Commercial Management

• Managed the commercial and operational performance of Bourbon's offshore fleet at group level, working between the contracting entities and ship-management organization.
• Maintained commercial margins above 50% on managed accounts including Exxon and Subsea7, while reviewing and challenging ship managers' maintenance scopes.
• Represented Bourbon on the IMCA Dynamic Positioning Committee and acted as the company's specialist in DP and anchor-handling operations.
• Supported international tenders, providing operational and technical input to the commercial teams.
• Supported Smart Shipping initiatives and fleet performance reporting, using operational data and KPIs to identify performance gaps.

Operations Manager & Contract Manager (acting as DP Referent) at Bourbon Offshore (Bourbon Gulf / Bourbon Offshore Greenmar) (2017-01 – 2024-01)

14-vessel fleet

• Held combined operational and commercial accountability for a dedicated 14-vessel fleet, 4 PSV, 3 AHTS, 3 W2W-equipped accommodation units, 2 subsea units, 2 FSIV and 3 crew boats, serving Total and other regional E&P operators.
• Directed multidisciplinary teams covering crewing, logistics, procurement, official documentation and HSE.
• Maintained strong client satisfaction throughout the assignment through disciplined invoicing, cash collection and monthly client review meetings.

Master Mariner at Tidewater (2007-01 – 2017-01)

North Sea, West Africa & South America

• Progressed from cadet to Master over 10 years at sea aboard OSV, AHTS and PSV vessels, building deep expertise in Dynamic Positioning and anchor handling later drawn on as a recognized expert reference for ship managers ashore.

Project Supervisor at OFDIC (Office Francais de Developpement Industriel et Commercial) (2002-01 – 2004-01)

• Supervised technology-transfer projects, fiber-vessel construction and international contract negotiation.

Master's Degree in Nautical Sciences – Maritime Academy Antwerp (2007-01)

Bachelor's Degree in Law (General) – Université Toulouse I (2002-01)