Agency Operator – Port Services

About the role

The Agency Operator will join a dedicated team providing 24/7 on‑call support to principals, ensuring safe and efficient turnaround of vessels in Antwerp. The role involves coordinating all aspects of a port call, from nomination to departure, and may require working outside normal office hours on a rota basis.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate port agency and husbandry appointments from nomination through to successful completion of the port call.
• Liaise with vessels, port authorities, terminals, suppliers and other stakeholders to ensure efficient arrivals, berthing, operations and departures.
• Manage pre‑arrival documentation, port formalities, customs clearances and relevant cargo paperwork.
• Arrange essential port services such as pilotage, towage, lines, surveys and inspections.
• Coordinate vessel husbandry requirements including crew changes, visitors, spares, provisions, bunkers, fresh water, cash to master and waste disposal.
• Board vessels as required to support masters, complete local formalities and manage arrival/departure documentation.
• Provide principals and stakeholders with timely updates on vessel movements, berthing prospects, cargo operations and port‑call progress.
• Prepare PDAs, manage pre‑funding requirements, maintain accurate appointment costs and support post‑call financial processes.
• Maintain accurate information within internal and principal‑specific systems, ensuring compliance with SOPs, KPIs, SLAs and customer instructions.
• Deliver high‑standard customer service, proactively resolving and escalating operational or supplier issues.
• Build effective relationships with ports, terminals, clients and approved vendors, supporting supplier performance and rate negotiations.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance service delivery.

Required profile

• Good knowledge of port operations and port agency processes.
• Experience using an operating or customer relationship management system.
• Ability to work to predefined processes, procedures and SLA requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize work, perform under pressure and meet strict timelines.
• Self‑motivated and capable of working unsupervised.
• Fluent in Dutch and English, both spoken and written.

Required skills

• Outlook
• Excel
• Word

What we offer

• A diverse range of benefits depending on location.
• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunities to grow your career with support to set and exceed big goals.
• Work with talented, committed and supportive teammates.
• Value Award celebration events.