As a Ships Agency Operator, you will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating port operations for shipping companies which includes liaising with ship captains, port authorities, and clients to ensure smooth vessel arrivals and departures and handling appropriate documentation, customs clearance, acting as a main point of contact and liaising with relevant parties.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Coordinate vessel calls from pre-arrival through to departure, including port formalities, vessel husbandry and cargo-related operations.
- Liaise with port authorities, terminals, pilots, tug operators, surveyors, suppliers and other service providers to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
- Prepare, check and submit required vessel and port documentation, ensuring information is accurate and completed within required timescales.
- Act as the operational point of contact for masters, owners, charterers, customers and other stakeholders, providing clear and timely updates throughout the vessel call.
- Arrange and coordinate vessel husbandry requirements, including crew changes, transport, stores and other services as required.
- Monitor vessel operations, identifying and responding to delays, operational issues or risks and escalating where appropriate.
- Prepare and maintain Statements of Facts and disbursement accounts, process and check supplier invoices accurately and efficiently, and ensure costs and supporting records are correctly recorded.
- Ensure operations are carried out in accordance with relevant shipping regulations, customs requirements, health and safety procedures and company standards.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date operational records and systems data.
- Support high standards of customer service and continuous improvement by identifying operational inefficiencies, service issues and opportunities for improvement.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role which may be required by management from time to time.
About you
You are a passionate team player who understands the importance of clear communication and collaboration. With a solid foundation in the shipping industry, you bring excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will be adept at handling unexpected challenges with poise. Your IT literacy, particularly in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook, equips you to maintain accurate records and efficient filing systems. Your customer-oriented nature enables you to build lasting relationships with clients while adapting to the fast-paced maritime environment. Although the office is mainly desk based you must be comfortable with going out to the port if needed. A valid UK driving license, your own car, and the flexibility to travel are essential, as is the willingness to step outside normal office hours when needed.
This role is based in Billingham, Middlesbrough. If you are successful for this role you will be required to prove your right to work in the UK.
- Experience in a shipping agency, port operations or maritime logistics environment.
- Knowledge of vessel operations, port procedures and associated documentation.
- Organisational, verbal and written communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload, work under pressure and manage multiple vessel calls.
- Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate operational records.
- IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to use operational systems accurately and efficiently.
- Flexibility to work outside normal office hours and participate in an on-call rota where required.
- Valid driving licence and ability to travel to ports and other operational locations as required.
- Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) qualification or relevant maritime qualification.
- Experience working across multiple ports or vessel types.
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety, maritime compliance and customs requirements.
- Experience using shipping agency systems and preparing disbursement accounts.
Join our dynamic team at VertomCory, where you can develop, collaborate, and celebrate success! If you are ready to take the next step in your career and make a significant impact in the shipping industry, we want to hear from you!
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Ships Agency Operator – Billingham, Middlesbrough employer: Vertomcory
As a Customer Services Operator in Glasgow, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values teamwork and clear communication. The company offers competitive benefits, a supportive culture focused on employee growth, and opportunities for cross-training to enhance your skills in the shipping industry. With a commitment to high standards of customer service and operational excellence, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the success of global logistics.
