Charles Strahley
Poten & Partners Inc.
Spring,TX
1
Certification
29
years of professional experience
Experienced marine professional specializing in freight trading, vessel P&L management, and marine operations & scheduling. Optimizes supply chain logistics and enhances revenue generating opportunities and market penetration through strategic negotiations and strong customer relationships. Holds U.S. Coast Guard engineering credentials combined with commercial shipping expertise and financial insight.
Work History
Ship Broker
1 Year 11 Months- Delivered commercial brokerage services for crude oil and refined petroleum products across Atlantic Basin and Vancouver/U.S. West Coast markets, facilitating trade and optimizing supply chain logistics.
- Advised oil traders, major energy companies, and commercial clients on freight opportunities in MR, Panamax, Aframax, and Suezmax tanker segments, enhancing decision-making and market penetration.
- Conducted market analysis, negotiated fixtures, and developed relationships with charterers, owners, and industry participants to ensure competitive positioning and successful transactions.
Marine Coordinator
4 Years 1 Month- Freight trading, ship operations and marine scheduling in US and Canada in support of the crude, DPP, CPP, Biofuel and chemical trading desks.
- Coordinated 10–12 cargo movements monthly across U.S. and Canadian markets while supporting trading desks with commercial execution.
- Managed spot chartering activity across VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax, MR, and chemical tanker markets.
- Delivered freight market intelligence and forward freight projections supporting trading decisions and FFA activity.
- Held commercial oversight and P&L responsibility for the chemical time-charter program, including cargo optimization and vessel employment strategies.
- Directed voyage execution including bunkering, port operations, vetting clearance, customs documentation, cargo quality & loss control, inspections, demurrage, and voyage accounting.
- Developed and maintained strong commercial relationships with shipowners, brokers, traders, terminals, inspectors, and marine service providers.
Senior Freight Trader
8 Years 2 Months- Directed commercial strategy and P&L performance for a chemical tanker fleet operating throughout the Americas and Canada.
- Managed commercial employment of vessels ranging from 8,000 to 51,000 DWT across diverse sectors including specialty chemicals, petroleum products, and renewable fuels, optimizing fleet utilization.
- Led spot trading, COA execution, cargo aggregation, reletting, and short-term charter strategies to maximize fleet profitability.
- Managed key trade lanes including U.S. Gulf, East Coast Canada, Great Lakes, Caribbean, and Latin America markets
- Negotiated commercial contracts and freight agreements with major industrial customers and trading partners, enhancing revenue stability.
- Partnered with operations, technical teams, brokers, and legal advisors to improve vessel performance and resolve commercial issues and conflicts.
- Built and maintained relationships with charterers, shipowners, brokers, and commodity participants across global shipping markets. Financial Analyst January 2019 – January 2020 Assisted CFO with financial analysis, reporting, and forecasting for strategic projects.
- Combined financial responsibilities with senior commercial chartering duties to evaluate operational performance and profitability.
- Analyzed market trends to inform trading strategies and optimize portfolio performance.
- Developed and maintained relationships with brokers and clients to facilitate trading activities.
Ship Broker
3 Years 4 Months- Managed brokerage activity in MR and LR clean petroleum product markets, ensuring optimal match between charterers and owners.
- Developed commercial relationships with major industry participants including PetroChina, Hess Oil, ConocoPhillips, and Petrobras, enhancing brokerage network and market reach.
- Negotiated freight opportunities between charterers and owners while providing market analysis and fixture support.
- Identified new business opportunities through market monitoring and relationship development
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Freight Trader
3 Years- Managed commercial chartering activities and P&L performance for a fleet of stainless-steel parcel chemical tankers operating throughout the Americas.
- Directed vessel employment strategies across spot markets and long-term Contracts of Affreightment (COAs) with global chemical companies and industrial customers.
- Optimized fleet utilization through cargo planning, backhaul development, cargo aggregation, and strategic vessel positioning.
- Managed complex trade lanes involving U.S. Gulf, East Coast Canada, Caribbean, and Pacific Americas markets.
- Coordinated technical, operations, and vetting teams to maximize vessel availability for demanding chemical cargo requirements.
- Oversaw commercial programs for specialty chemicals, edible oils, and ethanol, enhancing the value of high-value parcel cargoes.
- Managed transportation program for Dow Chemical between Houston and Colombia, ensuring timely delivery of specialty chemicals.
- Maintained relationships with charterers, shipowners, brokers, agents, and terminal operators to support long-term commercial growth
- Executed trading strategies, optimizing vessel schedules to maximize operational efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends to inform pricing decisions and enhance profitability.
- Negotiated freight contracts, establishing strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Ship Broker
1 Year- Launched into the commercial aspect of shipping with brokerage specializing in clean petroleum product tanker markets.
- Facilitated fixture negotiations, conducted market analysis, and nurtured customer relationships in MR and LR segments.
- Developed foundational expertise in tanker freight markets and commercial relationship development.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Ship Operations Manager
1 Year 10 Months- Oversaw commercial operations for stainless-steel, multi-grade chemical tankers in international parcel trades, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Developed cargo stowage plans to maximize vessel utilization while meeting strict chemical compatibility requirements for highly toxic and reactive cargoes, including medical and food grade parcels.
- Coordinated vessel scheduling, port and barge loadings, cargo operations, double handling, and tank-cleaning programs with chartering teams, technical departments, and vessel personnel to optimize operational flow.
- Maintained operational records, cost projections, and voyage performance data supporting commercial decision-making.
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce delays in transportation logistics.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through strategic vendor negotiations and resource allocation.
Assistant Operations Manager
1 Year 5 Months- Supported daily commercial operations of Suezmax and Aframax crude oil tankers trading throughout the Atlantic Basin.
- Facilitated voyage execution and vessel scheduling, enhancing collaboration between commercial and operational teams.
- Acquired in-depth knowledge of crude tanker operations and international shipping practices, improving operational effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented process improvements that streamlined daily operations and reduced turnaround times.
- Assisted in overseeing compliance with safety regulations and industry standards to ensure operational integrity.
Assistant Engineering Officer
3 Years 3 Months- Served as Second Assistant Engineering Officer aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels, including steam turbine and diesel-powered ships.
- Coordinated engine room operations, monitored equipment performance, and ensured personnel safety during maintenance activities.
- Facilitated U.S. military logistics missions aboard USNS Fast Sealift Ships, MARAD vessels, and U.S. Navy research ships.
- Established technical maritime foundation, enabling advancement into commercial shipping leadership roles.
- Oversaw compliance with maritime regulations and safety protocols to ensure operational integrity.
- Led training programs for new officers, enhancing team performance and adherence to industry standards.
Education
Master of Science - Accounting
Bachelor of Science - Facilities Engineering
Skills
Freight Trading • Tanker Chartering • Ship Brokerage • Shipping strategy • P&L management • Tankers expertise • Marine operations • Spot Fixtures • Affreightment contracts • Time Charters • Market analysis • Voyage planning • Logistics management • Customer growth
Certification
United States Coast Guard Federal License
Third and Second Assistant Engineer – Unlimited Horsepower Steam, or Diesel
Timeline
Ship Broker
Poten & Partners Inc.
09.2024 - CurrentRead More
Marine Coordinator
Suncor Energy (USA) Marketing Inc.
07.2020 - 08.2024Read More
Senior Freight Trader
Team Tankers International Inc.
11.2011 - 01.2020Read More
Ship Broker
Dietze Associates
07.2008 - 11.2011Read More
Freight Trader
Nordic Tankers Inc.
07.2005 - 07.2008Read More
Ship Broker
Dietze Associates LLC
07.2004 - 07.2005Read More
Ship Operations Manager
Stolt Nielsen Transportation Group Inc.
09.2002 - 07.2004Read More
Assistant Operations Manager
General Maritime Management LLC
04.2001 - 09.2002Read More
Assistant Engineering Officer
American Maritime Officers Union
01.1998 - 04.2001Read More
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Master of Science from Accounting
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SUNY Maritime College
Bachelor of Science from Facilities Engineering
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