Berth Planning & Cargo Operations Coordinator at Hapag-Lloyd Kenya Limited

Job Purpose:

• Responsible for coordinating and overseeing various operational activities which require close contact with the Terminal, mainly related to berth planning, therefore ensuring smooth operations, and maintaining effective communication with stakeholders at the premises. Will oversee the execution of cargo operations activities, ensuring smooth and efficient processes during vessel stay in port for cargo operations. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders for on ground execution of load, discharge, vessel finalization and adherence to any local requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the Regional Berth Planning Manager in obtaining Berthing windows with the Terminal and monitor operations versus prospects
• Provide cost estimates/on ground arrangements for special cargo, such as break bulk and out-of-gauge (OOG) shipments, ensuring accurate pricing and cost calculations.
• Support the handling of dangerous goods (DG) containers with special requirements, such as Class 1 and 7, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
• Handle damaged containers during the load and discharge process, coordinating with relevant teams and stakeholders to ensure proper handling and documentation
• Monitor and report on leaking containers and ship damage, taking necessary actions to address safety concerns and mitigate risks
• Coordinate and arrange physical inspections conducted by customs officials, surveyors, or other relevant parties
• Arrange local port formalities, ensuring compliance with port regulations and facilitating smooth operations for vessels
• Offer assistance to all teams including QSC for local port related matters where local coordination will assist in the process in the best interest of the outcome.
• Represent the company within the port community, maintaining positive relationships with port authorities, pilot stations, and other relevant entities
• Facilitate commercial and company visits to terminals and Hapag vessels, coordinating schedules, providing necessary information, and ensuring a smooth visitor experience Perform data maintenance in Port Chain and other port community systems, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
• Uses Port chain Connect for aligning berth windows to those Terminals that are connected. Ensures accuracy and timeliness of daily updates to ensure the Terminal has the latest most up-to-date information
• Coordinate cut & run (whenever required ) for vessels and finalize priority cargo after coordinating with Cargo control / Transshipment / ED / cargo ops planning
• Attend weekly/monthly (as per requirement) terminal performance meetings along with regional stakeholders.
• Keep all stakeholders informed about any change in terminal / local tariffs / adherence to local regulations
• Monitor daily terminal in yard ( laden / empty / TS ) and ensure no discrepancy with EPOS from terminal data / highlight concerned departments in case of overdue containers Ensure no containers ( laden / empty / TS ) lying unattended and co-ordinate with respective stakeholders ( Transshipment execution / Cargo control / ED teams ) for clearance plan.
• Handle Long-standing laden containers: In line with local regulation arrange for survey / destruction / auction
• Monitor & update vessel/cargo operations during vessel port stay. Monitoring pre/post idle / stoppage of cargo operations / delays. Oversee husbanding / cargo ops tasks which have been outsourced to external agents
• Monitor and approve late gate requests, ensuring compliance with established protocols

Equipment Dispatch Duties:

• Equipment monitoring - shunting from Port to stacking area or depot
• Monitor long stay containers and advise on their release status from customs and port authorities
• Facilitating return and release of empty containers into the depots – All depots Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda (MT Return and Release)
• Control stock & rotate stock in depots when necessary.

Requirements & Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent in marine studies, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field
• Proven experience in port and terminal management, with a focus on berth planning, port operations, and hub management.
• Strong knowledge of port operations, vessel scheduling, and terminal activities.
• Strategic mindset and the ability to develop and implement effective plans and initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to drive operational improvements.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and industry standards in port and terminal operations.
• Familiarity with port and terminal management software and tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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