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Principal Surveyor

Job Reference ablgroup/TP/916/411

Employment Type:
Permanent - Full Time
Salary:
Competitive
Weekly Working Hours:
40
Work Location:
Tokyo | Kobe
Closing Date:
09/08/2026
Department:
Marine
Region / Division:
APAC

ABL – an Aqualis Group company - is a leading global independent energy and marine consultant working in energy and oceans to de-risk and drive the energy transition across the renewables, maritime, and oil and gas sectors, offering the deepest pool of expertise across marine and engineering disciplines in more than 300 locations globally.

The Principal Surveyor will lead the delivery of complex casualty, salvage, and expert services across Japan. You will undertake chargeable project work, provide technical guidance and mentorship to surveyors, and play a key role in developing client relationships and business opportunities both within Japan and across the wider ABL network.

What will you be doing?

  • Lead casualty and salvage surveys, attending vessels to assess the nature, extent, and cause of damage or loss.
  • Establish causes of incidents, estimate repair and salvage costs, and prepare technical reports and recommendations for clients.
  • Plan, manage, and oversee project execution, including scope, deliverables, scheduling, resource allocation, and project performance.
  • Provide leadership, mentoring, training to surveyors and other direct reports, supporting their ongoing professional development.
  • Ensure the delivery of services is aligned with ABL's technical standards, procedures, quality requirements, and client expectations.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, service delivery, and technical excellence.
  • Support business development activities through client engagement, preparation of tenders and proposals, and contribution to marketing initiatives.
  • Work closely with Regional Management to support strategic growth objectives and expand the business line's presence within the region.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of ABL's service offerings and key deliverables.
  • Promote a strong quality, health, safety, and environmental (QHSE) culture and ensure compliance with all applicable policies and procedures. 
  • Undertake other duties and responsibilities as required.

What are we looking for?

This position is suitable for an experienced Surveyor, or someone who is looking to move into a shore-based position. More specifically, we are looking for the following:

  • Master Mariner (STCW II/2) or Chief Engineer (STCW III/2) with proven seagoing experience. 
  • Minimum 10 years' relevant professional experience within the marine, offshore, casualty, salvage, or related industries.
  • Strong working knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and codes, with the ability to apply them effectively in complex operational environments.
  • Excellent report writing skills, with a track record of delivering accurate, high-quality work to agreed deadlines.
  • Commercially aware, proactive, and results-driven, with a practical and solutions-focused approach.
  • Fluent in Japanese and English. 

Further Information:

This position can be based in Tokyo or Kobe. You must have the right to live and work in Japan. 

The closing date for applications is Friday 7th August. We reserve the right to close the advert sooner should we receive sufficient responses.

The job holder will be expected to undertake onshore and offshore client assignments. 

You can learn more about our team and what we do here: https://aqualis-group.com/ 

To ensure your application is considered, please submit it using the link provided on this page.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES. 

Our Commitment to D&I:

At Aqualis Group, we are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive, regardless of background, identity, or role. As a global company, we believe that diversity drives innovation and inclusion strengthens our teams. We support flexible working, accessible environments, and employee wellbeing. Even if your experience doesn’t match every requirement, we encourage you to apply—your unique perspective could be just what we need.