Gideon De Goede

I bring over three decades of progressive, hands-on maritime leadership spanning port operations, fleet intelligence, stow technical, cargo logistics, and commercial vessel management—delivering measurable efficiency, safety, and revenue across global shipping, bulk commodities, and offshore logistics sectors.

As a Freelance Maritime Consultant and Port Captain, I manage port turnarounds for bulk, container, reefer, and breakbulk vessels, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations. I advise vessel operators and charterers on logistics, regulatory requirements, and fleet deployment strategies that reduce idle time and maximise utilisation.

Skills

• Strategic Forecasting 
• AI developing
• Solution Driven
• Calculated Decisions 
• Strong Communication (written & spoken)
• Multiple computerized Programs 
• Well versed - Charter Parties & Booking Notes 
• Vessel Stability Planning (Cargo Stowage)
• Break Bulk/ Bulk/ Specialized Cargoes
• Container Planning IMCO & Reefer Regulations 
• Operational Excellence
• Logistics Management 
• Appointing Contractors & SLA/ SOP
• Customer Relations
• Sales/ Marketing
• Commercial Management
• A to Z Business Acumen 
• P & L Management
• Market Intelligence 
• Data Analysist 
• Digital Reporting
• Identifying Market Tends
• HR Regulations
• Recruiting & Restructuring 
• Educating

Previously, as Port Captain & Intelligence Specialist at MUR Shipping BV, I led voyage planning, stowage optimisation, and port coordination multiple cargoes. I also created MUR’s first commercial intelligence program, improving fleet positioning accuracy by 27%, cutting ballast legs, and boosting revenue per vessel through sharper cargo-market alignment.

Earlier, I founded X-Act Marine Services, scaling it into a nationwide operation of 80 staff delivering supercargo, surveying, tally, and lead complex logistics services for clients including MSC, MACS, MUR, De Beers, and Yara. I oversaw full executive functions, CRM, KPIs, P & L, HR and sales, while developing operational tools that became industry standards. During this period, I passed various SAMSA courses and became an appointed Surveyor, Examiner and hosted Skippers Courses.

My early career at King & Sons I was a Senior Vessel Agent, and as Marine Surveyor with AR Brink & Captain Garbutt cemented my technical expertise in liner operations, surveys, and port compliance.

Proficient in AI, SAP, NAVIS, routing software, and MS Office, I also design custom intelligence tools. My formal training in Marine Surveying & Vessel Stability (Lloyd’s of London), combined with business management courses, ensures technical precision balanced with commercial acumen.

Freelance - Port Captain/ Maritime Consultant (2024 till present)

MUR Shipping (BV) - Port Captain/ Intel Specialist - founder & head of department - Supercargo, (2018 till 2023)

SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) - authorized/ independent Surveyor & Examiner (2015 till 2018)

X-Act Marine Services Cc. - Founder/ Sole Executive Director - ‘A to Z’ business ownership acumen (2001 till 2018)

King & Sons (Pty) Ltd - Senior Vessel Operator/ Agent (1997 till 2001)

AR Brink & Associates/ Captain Grarbutt & Associates (Pty) Ltd - Marine Surveyor (1993 till 1997)

SAMSA - Small Craft Surveyor (2015)

SAMSA - Skippers Examiner (2015 to 2016)

Lloyds of London - Marine Surveying, hosted by Safmarine (1993)