Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Hobbies and Interests
References
Custom Section
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Derek Clarkson

Summary

Detail-oriented and commercially astute Shipping & Logistics Operations Specialist with 30+ years’ experience managing bulk cargo movements and insurance coordination across global trade lanes. Proven track record of overseeing full-cycle shipping operations, coordinating with freight forwarders, managing claims, and optimising logistics workflows. Strong Excel user with practical experience using pivot tables and formulas to track shipment data and costs. Brings extensive experience in dry bulk, soft commodities, and global port logistics. Known for delivering results in high-pressure environments while maintaining excellent relationships with agents, suppliers, surveyors, and insurance stakeholders.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work history

Senior Operations Manager

Atlantic Coal & Bulk
London & Dubai
03.2020 - 03.2025
  • Oversaw end-to-end shipping and port operations for up to 20 Capesize and Panamax vessels, managing dry bulk movements from Russian ports to the Far East, Turkey, and beyond.
  • Coordinated with agents, shipping lines, and port terminals to ensure smooth discharge and turnaround of vessels.
  • Managed shipping documentation, time charter instructions, and compliance with Charter Party terms (FOB/DES).
  • Supported the insurance and claims process by liaising with P&I Clubs and reviewing voyage incidents and laytime disputes.
  • Used Excel daily for fuel planning, voyage tracking, and operational reporting.
  • Worked closely with the commercial team to align shipments with trade schedules and maximise cargo efficiency.

Freight & Coal Operations Manager

Peabody Coaltrade Int’l/9 East Shipping Ltd
London
07.2009 - 11.2019
  • Managed 30–40 vessels transporting bulk coal and occasional grain/soybean cargoes from the US and Brazil to Europe and China.
  • Reviewed stowage plans, ensured accurate voyage instructions, and liaised with freight forwarders and agents.
  • Oversaw invoicing, fuel calculations, and cost tracking for each shipment.
  • Supported insurance claims and port incident reviews, ensuring accurate paperwork and proactive follow-up.
  • Trained and led a high-performing operations team across London and US offices.

Vessel Operator

Gearbulk UK Ltd
London
10.2006 - 06.2009
  • Managed logistics for owned vessels transporting steel cargoes between Europe and the Middle East.
  • Oversaw stowage plans, bunker planning, and liaised with port agents and surveyors.
  • Ensured compliance with shipping documentation and loading protocols.

Vessel Operator

Africa Express Line Ltd
Kent
04.2005 - 10.2006

Vessel Operator

Star Reefers UK Ltd
London
04.1996 - 01.2005

Import Clerk

Anglo European Agencies Ltd
Essex
11.1989 - 04.1996

Education

Grays Comprehensive - GCSE's - English, Maths, Typing, Science, History, and Sport

Grays Comprehensive
Grays, Essex

Skills

  • Shipping & logistics coordination (bulk/commodities)
  • Excel
  • Liaison with freight forwarders, shipping lines, P&I Clubs
  • Charter Party compliance (FOB/DES)
  • Invoice processing & shipping documentation
  • Commercial coordination with traders, agents & terminals
  • Cost optimisation, cargo scheduling, demurrage handling

Personal Information

  • Date of birth: 1973-08-07
  • Nationality: British
  • Marital status: Married

Hobbies and Interests

  • Travelling: UAE, USA, Caribbean, Europe & Asia are some of the areas I have recently visited.
  • Sports: I have a varied interest in most sports including cricket and football. I also like to play golf as frequently as I can.

References

On request.

Custom Section

  • Proficient in IMOS, Shipnet & Microsoft Excel
  • 30+ years’ experience in shipping operations across dry bulk and soft commodities
  • Skilled in shipping documentation, insurance claims handling & Charter Party compliance
  • Liaises confidently with freight forwarders, P&I clubs, surveyors, and agents
  • Proven success supporting trade desks with shipment planning and cargo coordination
  • Adaptable, detail-focused, and commercially aware — strong stakeholder communicator
  • Worked in both UK and UAE markets, bringing global operations insight

Accomplishments

  • Helped launch and scale the Dubai operations office for Atlantic Coal & Bulk.
  • Managed 5 million MTS of cargo per year and up to 180 voyages annually.
  • Supported fleet growth from 0 to 40 vessels at Peabody within 2 years.
  • Completed the Three Peaks Challenge for charity.

Timeline

Senior Operations Manager

Atlantic Coal & Bulk
03.2020 - 03.2025

Freight & Coal Operations Manager

Peabody Coaltrade Int’l/9 East Shipping Ltd
07.2009 - 11.2019

Vessel Operator

Gearbulk UK Ltd
10.2006 - 06.2009

Vessel Operator

Africa Express Line Ltd
04.2005 - 10.2006

Vessel Operator

Star Reefers UK Ltd
04.1996 - 01.2005

Import Clerk

Anglo European Agencies Ltd
11.1989 - 04.1996

Grays Comprehensive - GCSE's - English, Maths, Typing, Science, History, and Sport

Grays Comprehensive
Derek Clarkson