Sifen Chemeda Yabassa
Dubai,UAE
Summary
With over a 10 years of experience in oil and gas trading operations,
my specialization is in freight trading operation. I began my career as a
bunker operator, managing supplies in Jebel Ali, Durban, Richards Bay,
and Port Louis. I then transitioned to the Baseoil desk, where I was
responsible for cargo and freight operations for the Baseoil shipments.
Currently, I am a member of the commercial freight operation team,
overseeing the operations of Shell's time-chartered vessels.
Dynamic professional with strong capabilities in creating value for the book, P&L monitoring,
operations coordination, and problem solving. Excels in time
management and pressure handling, consistently delivering results in
fast-paced environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work history
Commercial Freight Operator
SITME
Dubai
2018.06 - 2026.06
- I manage the over all operations for the Shell time-chartered vessels, ensuring compliance with Shell code of conduct and safety guidelines.
- I work closely with traders and have built strong relationships, enabling me to understand how the desk generates value and gain a broader perspective of different aspects of the business.
- Update traders on the status of the voyages promptly to enable them to trade the vessels efficiently. I also conducted market research to provide relevant information to traders promptly to assist in better decision making.
- Create and update voyage details in operating systems, ensuring accurate P&L is reflected throughout the voyage. I also coordinate with our finance team to make sure freight invoices are issued on time and payments to our service providers are done on time.
- Ensured timely submission of documents and information to charterers to facilitate vessel clearance during subs, supporting fixing decisions within the subs period and minimizing the risk of losing fixtures during periods of price volatility.
- I consistantly review Charter Party agreements thoroughly to protect Shell's interests and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. This is importance as I work on a number of COAs with Qatar Shell, UNIPEC & Shell Lubricants inaddition to the usual voyage charter out.
- Our TC vessels move a significant volume of Shell’s internal cargoes, so I maintain close working relationships with both cargo traders and the operations team, allowing me to ensure their requirements are handled efficiently.
- I maintain close relationships with our agents across ports and terminals in the region, enabling stronger cooperation and faster responses to our enquiries.
- I plan and execute owner-related operations such as bunkering, tank cleaning, and hull cleaning efficiently in coordination with the trader, while safeguarding the P&L.
- I manage LNG bunker boil-off, consumption, and replenishment in coordination with the vessel master and technical managers to ensure efficient operations.
- Maintain a continuous communication with master and the vessel technical managers to create a certain level of trust and coordination.
- Contribute to the P&L by creating commercial value adds (CVA). I have had more than USD 1 million approved CVAs recorded annually.
- Recognised with Shell Commercial Operations EVP award for impactful contributions to value creation initiatives.
- I cordinated with the relevant stackholders to plan and action the transition of bunker change from HSFO to VLSFO as per the IMO 2020 requirement.
- I provide remote coverage to our teammates in Singapore when they are short of staff working full time on the Singapore team operations.
- Always look for ways to improve efficiency and profitability by coordinating with different stakeholders throughout the business internal and externally.This could be through cost saving or making changes to procedures to make the operation more efficient.
- Shared value-adding ideas with the wider team to foster learning and facilitate replication in future voyages.
Commercial Products Operator (Base Oil)
SITME
Dubai
2015.05 - 2018.06
- Managed commercial operations for Base Oil cargo movement in SITME region, ensuring seamless operations.
- Optimized commercial value through cost-saving initiatives and procedural enhancements.
- Have have an in-depth understanding of how the desk makes money. And I always try to look for ways to optimize and create commercial value. This could be through cost saving or making changes to procedures to make the operation more efficient. I will share with the wider operation team for learning.
- Understanding the oil contracts as soon as a deal is concluded to make sure Shell’s interests are protected and ensure obligations are met accurately. This includes an understanding of all the incoterms used for buying and selling cargos; mainly, we use CIF, FOB and Ex-Works.
- Operate cargo movement from Shell Jebel Ali terminal storage, facilitating timely customer deliveries and lifting.Periodically visit Shell Jebel Ali terminal and maintain a very good relationship with the terminal staff.
- Many customers operate on LC or prepayment terms, and I ensure all financial securities are in place in a timely manner. Where they are not secured, I promptly alert the trader to obtain the necessary approvals for title delay or to take the appropriate commercial decision.
- Reviewed contracts post-deal to safeguard Shell's interests and ensure compliance with obligations.
- Maintained deal parcels in operating system accurately reflecting costs and provisions.
- Monitored profit & loss movements, providing explanations to stakeholders as required.
- Create and update vetting clearances and implement suggested mitigation actions effectively.
Commercial Bunker Operator
SITME
Dubai
2014.04 - 2015.06
- Oversaw bunker operations for SITME, supplying 80-90 vessels monthly across multiple ports, ensuring seamless logistics and operational efficiency.
- Planned and coordinated vessel supply during low stock situations, prioritising based on expected port stay, parcel size, laycan compliance, and customer feedback to ensure timely and accurate communication with barge operators and customers.
- Managed term customer nominations to comply with contractual obligations and avoid discrepancies. Developed strong relationships with term customers, resulting in improved operational coordination.
- Managed communication with term customers during refinery shutdowns in South Africa, applying force majeure provisions to optimise available stock through structured and consistent updates with the refinery.
- Maintained continuous communication with barge operators to track vessel supplies and delays.
- Ensured timely and accurate delivery updates in operating systems based on BDN from barge.
- Coordinated with account manager to optimize stock levels and prevent overbooking.
- Created and maintained parcels in the operating system for term customer nominations with correct pricing.
- Processed quantity and quality claims in collaboration with claims team.
Accounts and Finance
MENA Energy DMCC
Dubai
2012.05 - 2014.04
- Managed relationships with bank and collateral manager for Collateral Management Agreement.
- Executed planning for tank openings and closings, coordinating refinancing of cargo with bank.
- Facilitated purchases through coordination with purchaser, issuing orders, and processing payments.
- Oversaw inventory management of cargo under Collateral Management Agreement.
- Maintained costing and accounting documentation for each deal under Collateral Management Agreement.
- Prepared necessary documents for submission to bank and collateral manager.
- Tracked voyages and ensured timely income and expense reconciliation per charter party agreement.
- Communicated with port agents to ensure smooth operations and reconcile advance payments.
External auditor
A.A. Bromhead & Co. Chartered Accountants
Addis Ababa
2008.08 - 2011.02
- Finalised transaction and balance sheet audits over 18 months as senior auditor.
- Spearhead the preparation and issuance of the final audit report to customers.
- Executed transaction audits under supervision, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
- Reviewed clients' internal control systems, identifying key areas for improvement and enhancing overall effectiveness.
- Collaborated with clients across manufacturing and banking sectors, assessing needs to tailor audit strategies and deliver valuable insights.
- Supervised and trained junior auditors. I will review their working papers and finalise the audit.
Education
ACCA -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
UKBachelor of Science - Applied Accounting
Oxford Brookes University
UKSkills
- Voyage management and P&L monitoring
- Operation optimisation and Digitalisation
- Contract review and Operations coordination
- Creating value and prevent value leakage
- Accounting and Financial reconciliation
- Market research and Relationship building
- Train and support new operator
- Problem solving and Time management
Languages
Amharic
Fluent
English
Fluent
Timeline
Commercial Freight Operator
SITME
2018.06 - 2026.06
Commercial Products Operator (Base Oil)
SITME
2015.05 - 2018.06
Commercial Bunker Operator
SITME
2014.04 - 2015.06
Accounts and Finance
MENA Energy DMCC
2012.05 - 2014.04
External auditor
A.A. Bromhead & Co. Chartered Accountants
2008.08 - 2011.02
Bachelor of Science - Applied Accounting
Oxford Brookes University
ACCA -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants