Port Captain

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Health Care for everyone

Generous pension scheme

Life Assurance – 4x salary

25 days + holiday trading

Free parking

On-site restaurant

Gym membership

Cycle to work

Flu vaccines

Learning & development

Job summary

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA is seeking a proactive Port Captain in Ipswich to lead on-site vessel and port operations, coordinating berthing and ensuring efficient sailing schedules. The role demands ownership, strong communication, and hands-on problem solving in a fast-paced environment.

You will work outside normal hours, including overnights and weekends, and build relationships with terminals and internal stakeholders to support smooth day-to-day operations.

Qualifications

• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced operational environment and manage changing priorities.
• Previous experience within a shipping operations department or container port.
• Strong port operational knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Confident working independently and taking ownership of operational matters.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Establish vessel arrival times and negotiate earliest berth for each vessel in a dynamic, time-critical environment.
• Ensure port vessels work efficiently so they sail as early as possible.
• Build strong working relationships with terminals.
• Establish effective communication with internal stakeholders for daily operations.
• Take ownership of operational challenges and apply initiative to resolve them.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, processes and performance.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Perform hands-on operational duties to make a tangible impact.
• Develop knowledge and expertise in fast-paced shipping and port environments.

Skills

Operational leadership

Shipping operations

Communication skills

Problem solving

Independent worker

Job description

About Us

MSC is a privately owned global shipping company founded in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte. As one of the world’s leading container shipping lines with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC operates in over 675 offices across more than 155 countries worldwide with over 200,000 MSC Group employees. With access to an integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources which stretches across the globe, the company prides itself on delivering global service with local knowledge. MSC is a world leader in global container shipping and a company offering global service with local knowledge. MSC also provides integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources which stretches across the globe.

Job Description:

Port Captain

Full time, permanent

We are looking for a proactive and confident individual with strong operational experience and an understanding of port and vessel operations. You will be comfortable working independently, taking ownership and building effective relationships to support smooth and efficient operations.

You can expect to be required to perform these duties outside normal office hours including overnight and a weekend rota.

How you will help us and what you can expect

• Establish the vessel arrival times and negotiate the earliest possible suitable berth for each vessel. This happens in a very dynamic, time critical environment so your full attention will be required.
• Ensure the vessels in port work efficiently so that they sail as early as possible
• Build strong working relationships with terminals
• Build good communication channels with internal stakeholders to support smooth day-to-day operations.
• Take ownership of operational challenges, using your initiative and judgement to find effective solutions.
• Help identify opportunities to improve productivity, processes and operational performance.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Work in a hands-on operational role where you can make a real difference.
• Develop your knowledge and experience within a fast-paced shipping and port environment.

Qualifications and Experience:

Skills and experience you’ll bring to us

• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced operational environment and manage constantly changing priorities.
• Previous experience within a shipping operations department or container port.
• Strong port operational knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Confident working independently and taking ownership of operational matters.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Positive and resilient in a high-pressure role.
• Genuine team player who is keen to support their colleagues at all times

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Private Health Care for everyone from day 1 (non-contractual)
• Generous pension scheme
• Life Assurance – 4x salary
• 25 days + a day to take on Christmas Eve or New Years Eve
• Free parking (within walking distance from the office)
• On-site artisan restaurant
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flu vaccines and eye care vouchers
• Holiday trading scheme
• Christmas club saving
• MSC Cruises friends and family discount
• Full induction day and training provided
• Learning and development opportunities
• Dress for the day policy/modern office environment

Right to work

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for this role. Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates who currently have a time-limited right to work in the UK are welcome to apply but will be responsible for maintaining a valid right to work in the UK.

Application Eligibility

This position is open to external candidates. MSC employeeswho are interested in this opportunity must refer to the Internal Global Job Board and may apply only if the same position is listed there. Please note that this role may or may not be available internally for application.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, we have jobopportunities for everyone.

MSC is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

To discover more about MSC values click here.