Wine Tanker vacancies

Wine tanker: features and advantages of the court, what vacancies are relevant

The maritime industry is known for its versatility, and one of the prime examples of this is specialized wine tankers. This is not fiction, these are real ships that are designed to transport wine and they actually exist. Their task is to transport wine products in industrial volumes, mainly between wine-growing regions and importing countries. Despite the narrow specialization, work on such vessels can be interesting and promising.

Why is wine transported in tankers?

Transporting wine in bulk is an economical and safe option for delivering large volumes. Especially when it comes to table or blended wines intended for bottling at the point of sale. Unlike shipping ready-made bottles, shipping wine in tanks significantly reduces:

• cost of logistics (no containers, packaging, protection from combat),

• losses during transportation,

• carbon footprint due to lower cargo weight.

Shipping companies serving such transportation work closely with wineries in Europe (France, Italy, Spain), South America, South Africa and Australia.

Features of a wine tanker

At first glance, the ship resembles an ordinary liquid tanker or product carrier. However, inside it - specialized insulated tanksmade from stainless steel with a polished finish that prevents residue from sticking and microbiological activity.Main features:

1. Sterility - internal surfaces are treated with special means, sometimes with steam, to prevent contamination of the product.

2. Temperature control – cooling systems are provided to maintain flavor stability.

3. Pressure control - to avoid oxidation of the wine.

4. Individual compartments - allow you to transport different varieties at the same time.

5. Soft pouring mode - minimizes foaming and mixing of the product.

Thus, tankers are not just a means of delivery, but floating storage facilities that ensure the preservation of taste, aroma and quality of products throughout the journey.

Who works on wine tankers?

The crew composition is standard, as on other tankers. However, certain team members have additional requirements.Current positions:

1. The captain and first officer control documentation, compliance with sanitary standards, and maintain a log of loading operations.

2. Mechanics monitor temperature and pumping systems and participate in sanitization.

3. Deck crew sailors are engaged in loading/unloading, tying hoses, and preparing tanks.

4. A sanitary inspector or quality engineer (not always) is a specialist who monitors the cleanliness of tanks and compliance with food transportation standards.

To get a job wine tanker, it is important for a sailor:

• have documents on loading operations - Tanker Familiarization, Advanced Chemical/Oil Products;

• know the basics of sanitary standards when transporting food liquids;

• be able to work with cooling systems, pumps, automation;

• speak English - especially for working with documentation and port services in the EU;

• be attentive, careful, and be able to quickly respond to unusual situations.

But the employer can also put forward individual requirements for applicants. You should be prepared for this before you search work in the navy. 

Benefits of working on a wine tanker

The main advantages of employment on such a vessel include: 

• eenvironmentally safe cargo - unlike oil and chemicals;

• clean and modern ships - high level of hygiene;

• interesting routes - Europe, South America, Australia;

• calm rhythm of flights - no rush or overload;

• opportunity for career growth - experience on such a vessel is valued on product carriers, tankers, and in food logistics.

Wine tanker is not only an unusual type of transport, but also an opportunity for a sailor to gain an interesting experience. Clean cargoes, modern systems, reputable shipowners and stable voyages make such ships attractive for employment. If you are ready to expand the horizons of your maritime career, you should pay attention to this niche and apply for a vacancy in professional crewing.

Where to look for vacancies?

Because wine tanker fleet limited, vacancies for them are rare, but they appear from crewing companies working with niche shipping companies in Europe.For example, the crewing company Marine MAN offers:

• assistance in selecting a vessel based on your experience (including food and chemical tankers);

• support at all stages of contract execution;

• recommendations for training and passing a medical examination;

• participation in projects for the transportation of bulk food products, including wine, juices, oils.

With our help, hundreds of shipowners have already found crews for their ships, and many sailors have acquired their dream job.