HOUSTON, TX, September 05, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Captain Svetlozar "Svet" Zahariev has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are chosen based on career prominence, visibility, and professional contributions.

With over 25 years of experience across vessel command, marine surveying, port operations, and terminal performance, Capt. Zahariev has built a reputation as a versatile leader in the maritime industry. His career reflects both sea-going mastery as a Master Mariner and advanced shore-based expertise in vessel, cargo, crew, and terminal operations—managing and motivating people while consistently driving the best performance out of teams and resources. He is respected for his operational insight, problem-solving ability, and commitment to performance under challenging conditions.

Since 2023, Capt. Zahariev has served as Manager of Terminal Performance and Berth Planning at Hapag-Lloyd AG in Houston. He oversees container vessel operations at Gulf and Florida ports, ensuring schedule reliability and cost efficiency. His responsibilities include berth planning, crane productivity analysis, stowage coordination, KPI-driven improvements, and real-time adjustments with terminal operators and port authorities. By hosting performance dialogues, implementing corrective measures, and aligning internal departments with terminal operations, he has enhanced vessel turnaround times and raised overall efficiency.

Previously, he served as Marine Superintendent with Texas Stevedoring Services LLC (Ceres Terminals/SSA Marine) (2022–2023). There, he managed vessel operations at Barbours Cut Container Terminal, supervising berth safety, ILA gang performance, and regulatory compliance. He also oversaw pre-arrival planning, stowage adjustments in Navis N4, breakbulk coordination, and performance reporting. His efforts contributed to safer, faster, and more reliable cargo handling at one of the busiest container terminals in the Gulf.

From 2010 to 2022, Capt. Zahariev distinguished himself as a Senior Staff Marine and Cargo Surveyor with the National Cargo Bureau, Inc. in Houston. His work extended beyond flag inspections, covering the full range of marine and cargo surveys: grain stability certifications, bunker and draft surveys, hazardous cargo inspections, condition and on-/off-hire surveys, and out-of-gauge cargo securing. He worked across all vessel types, including container ships, oil and chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers, DP and offshore supply vessels, and passenger ships. With hundreds of inspections completed, he became a trusted authority in ensuring compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and international regulations.

At sea, Capt. Zahariev advanced from cadet to Master Mariner (Ship Captain). Between 2000 and 2010, he served aboard container ships with Zodiac Maritime Agencies, bulk vessels with Pronav Shipping Management, and passenger vessels with Pullmantur Cruises prior to its acquisition by Royal Caribbean. Fully certified for oil tankers and gas carriers, he commanded multinational crews and bore responsibility for navigation, operations, and safety while managing security and emergency response at sea.

Earlier, from 2004 to 2007, he was Operations Manager for Navigation Maritime Bulgare in Varna, Bulgaria, serving under the Principal Shipowner. In this role, he managed dry bulk vessel operations, voyage execution, and post-chartering functions while protecting the Principal's interests. His responsibilities included laytime and demurrage, bunker planning, charter party compliance, and claims handling. He worked closely with charterers, surveyors, underwriters, P&I clubs, and port authorities to ensure smooth operations while minimizing costs and risks. This position sharpened his expertise in both operational execution and commercial protection of ownership interests.

Throughout his career, Capt. Zahariev has been recognized for improving operational reliability, leading recovery during strikes and weather disruptions, and overseeing breakbulk and oversized cargo operations at Houston — the largest breakbulk port in the United States. His ability to align ship, terminal, and corporate priorities under pressure has made him a key contributor to both safety and efficiency in global shipping.

Capt. Zahariev earned dual master's degrees: one in Fleet and Port Operations from the Technical University of Varna (1999) and another in Marine Navigation from the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy (2000). He holds a Master Mariner license for vessels of 3,000 GT or more and maintains STCW certifications including GMDSS, ECDIS, ARPA/Radar, firefighting, crowd management, HAZMAT, and advanced tanker operations. Inspired by his father, a Chief Engineer, his mother, who worked in the Navy's chartography department, and his grandfather, an officer in the Bulgarian Navy, he proudly continues his family's maritime legacy.

Mr. Zahariev remains dedicated to maintaining professionalism by continually expanding his knowledge through learning and adaptation. He attributes his success to unwavering discipline, which he believes is the foundation of mastery in both leadership and life.

For Capt. Zahariev, the sea is more than a career—it is a calling that demands resilience, clarity, and respect. He believes the true measure of a maritime leader lies not only in ships commanded or operations completed, but in inspiring others to reach their highest potential. As he looks toward the future, he is committed to serving as both a guardian of maritime tradition and a driver of innovation, ensuring the next generation of professionals inherits a stronger, safer, and more efficient industry.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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