Ernesto Davalos Funes

Led the design, construction, and commissioning of a vessel with a $7 million budget, managing a team of approximately 60 technicians, including electricians, carpenters, painters, mechanics, welders, and pipefitters. Oversaw the entire project lifecycle from engineering to delivery, ensuring compliance with high-quality standards and naval regulations.

company: www.ecoventura.com

name ship: THEORY

• Managed a $4.5 million shipbuilding project, supervising 35 specialized personnel, achieving on-time delivery, efficient resource use, and full alignment with client specifications.

company: www.ecoventura.com

name ship: ORIGIN

• Directed the complete repowering and modernization of a luxury yacht, valued at $3.5 million, enhancing its performance, operational systems, and interior aesthetics while preserving the vessel’s original design and character.

company: www.calipsodive.com

name ship: Calipso

• Managed a $4.5 million shipbuilding project, supervising 35 specialized personnel, achieving on-time delivery, efficient resource use, and full alignment with client specifications.company: www.liveaboard.com ,name ship: Grand Queen Beatriz

• Oversaw a $5 million vessel construction project, coordinating a workforce of 40 skilled workers across multiple trades, ensuring smooth integration, safety compliance, and successful final delivery.

company: www.liveaboard.com

name ship: Grand Daphne

• Effectively led multidisciplinary teams, including electricians, mechanics, carpenters, welders, pipefitters, and painters, to execute complex tasks with precision and collaboration.

• Applied advanced expertise in naval design, propulsion systems, materials, and marine operations, resulting in robust and reliable vessels tailored to operational and customer requirements.

• Demonstrated strong abilities in technical leadership, strategic planning, and team coordination, consistently meeting project deadlines and quality benchmarks on high-stakes engineering initiatives.

Managed the operation of two commercial vessels: a petroleum tanker and a cargo ship serving the Galápagos Islands, overseeing all technical, operational, and administrative aspects.

• Supervised the entire onboard personnel, including captains, chief engineers, and crew members, as well as the shore-based administrative team, ensuring efficient coordination across departments.

• Executed and approved CIRE (International Regulatory Safety Inspections) to ensure full compliance and proper certification for vessel operations.

• Administered an annual operational budget of approximately $1.5 million across both vessels, covering maintenance, fuel, logistics, and operational costs.

• Held final approval authority for all operational decisions, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, maritime regulations, and internal performance standards.

• Strategic project manager with a solid foundation in maritime operations, specializing in the management of complex shipbuilding and maintenance projects. Successfully directed multiple multimillion-dollar initiatives, ensuring adherence to maritime safety and quality standards while delivering projects on time and within budget. Exceptional leadership abilities, fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams and enhancing communication with stakeholders. Focused on achieving operational excellence and innovative solutions that drive business success.

Technical Expertise

Contract Negotiation

Workflow Optimization

Operational Efficiency

Problem Solving

Team Leadership

Budget Management

• Directed the logistics and cargo transport to the Galápagos Islands, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with strict environmental and regulatory requirements.

• Maintained direct communication with port authorities, classification societies, and inspection agencies, facilitating smooth audits, certifications, and port operations.

• Demonstrated strong leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills in a complex, high-compliance maritime environment.

Planned and supervised maintenance projects for various types of vessels, including luxury yachts, tugboats, fishing vessels, tuna boats, and cargo ships.

• Managed multidisciplinary teams across all shipyard workshops, including carpentry, welding, painting, and sandblasting, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality outcomes.

• Prepared and presented detailed maintenance cost estimates and budgets to shipowners, fleet managers, and vessel operators, delivering transparent and accurate financial planning.

• Oversaw the administration and control of all operational expenses related to vessel maintenance, ensuring optimal resource utilization and budget adherence.

• Coordinated specialized work such as hull surface preparation (sandblasting) and application of protective coatings in compliance with international maritime standards.

• Developed and planned custom maintenance and repair projects for new clients bringing vessels to the shipyard for the first time.

• Ensured full compliance with international maritime quality and safety standards, maintaining high client satisfaction and operational reliability.

• Served as the primary point of contact between clients and the shipyard, fostering strong commercial relationships through professional project execution and clear communication.

www.astilleromariduena.com.ec