An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Ships Agent to join a busy port operations team based in Billingham, supporting vessel calls across the Tyne & Tees region.
You will play a key role in coordinating vessels from arrival through to departure, working closely with port authorities, vessel owners, operators, suppliers and other stakeholders to ensure every port call runs smoothly.
The role offers exposure to a wide variety of shipping sectors, including cruise, tanker, dry bulk, container, offshore and project cargo.
The successful candidate will ideally have at least 6 months' experience within ship agency, port agency or a similar maritime operations environment, alongside excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate vessel arrivals, berthing, anchoring and departures with port and harbour authorities.
- Arrange pilotage, towage, mooring and other port services.
- Coordinate vessel services including waste removal, fresh water, gangways, cranes, forklifts and fenders.
- Arrange husbandry services such as medical appointments, ship spares, stores and launch services.
- Coordinate crew changes, including taxis and hotel arrangements.
- Manage vessel calls from arrival through to departure, ensuring all services are delivered efficiently.
- Complete and process relevant port documentation, including CERS, FAL forms and Health Declarations.
- Liaise with UK Border Force, Port Health and other relevant authorities.
- Create and manage port calls using GATSHIP, ensuring operational information is kept up to date.
- Process supplier invoices and prepare final client invoices.
- Provide cargo, vessel progress and sailing updates to clients and stakeholders.
- Follow client-specific operational procedures and requirements.
- Work collaboratively within a small team while also being confident working independently.
We're looking for someone who is reliable, organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage a changing workload and remain calm under pressure.
You'll ideally have:
- 6+ months' experience in ship agency, port agency or a similar maritime operations role.
- Good knowledge of vessel port calls and shipping operations.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- The ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Confidence working both independently and as part of a small team.
- Good computer literacy and experience using Microsoft Office.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as part of an out-of-hours rota.
The role is primarily focused on Tyne & Tees ports, with occasional travel required to support operations in the Humber region and potentially further afield when required.
Being based within a reasonable travelling distance of the Tyne & Tees area is therefore important.
What’s on Offer
- Basic salary
- Car allowance
- Paid overtime, including evenings and weekends
- Mileage reimbursement
- Employer pension contribution
- Private healthcare after qualifying period
- 30 days' annual leave, increasing with length of service up to 35 days
- Hybrid working
- On-site parking
- Full-time, permanent position
- Opportunity to significantly increase earnings through overtime
Location: Billingham, Tyne & Tees
Salary: Base salary + Car Allowance + Overtime + Mileage
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Hybrid | Out-of-hours rota - Night work is generally avoided where possible, although the role does involve regular out-of-hours evening and weekend cover on a rota basis.
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Ships Agent looking to join a close-knit team while gaining broad exposure across multiple vessel types and shipping sectors. You'll have genuine responsibility for coordinating complete port calls and working with a wide range of maritime stakeholders.