OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE – SHIPS AGENT | CAPE TOWN

ABS Maritime; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

ABS Maritime in Cape Town is seeking an Operations Executive - Ships Agent to manage all aspects of ships agent operations from vessel arrival through to departure and final accounts. You will be the face of the company on board, ensuring fast turnarounds and seamless on-board presence.

The role requires proven Ships Agent experience (3–5 years), strong knowledge of vessel operations, and the ability to liaise with principals, vendors and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Matric is required.
• 3–5 years’ Ships Agent experience essential.
• Knowledge of vessel operations, including Dry-Bulk exports, Tanker operations, husbandry matters and OPLs.
• Fishing vessel experience is beneficial.
• Strong understanding of shipping terminology as it pertains to Port Agency.
• Computer literacy (MS Office).
• Good English literacy and numeracy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to liaise effectively and timeously with internal and external stakeholders and principals.
• Able to work under pressure, including extra hours and weekends when required.
• Willing to travel to other local ports in South Africa for cover as needed.

Responsibilities

• Cover all aspects of ships agent operations.
• Attend to vessel husbandry requirements.
• Manage vessel cargo operations in line with industry norms and best practice.
• Compile and submit vessel call reports per company and client requirements.
• Handle vessel documentation and office admin per SOPs and company policy.
• Build strong relationships with principals, vendors and colleagues.
• Attend to all port call requirements timeously for the quickest possible turnaround.
• Maintain a high-profile on-board vessels.
• Compile EPDAs and finalise and submit FDAs.
• Manage appointment, performance, invoicing and payment of sub-contractors, and issue purchase orders.

Skills

Ships Agent experience

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Liaising with stakeholders

Attention to detail

Education

Matric (Grade 12)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Experienced Ships Agent? Take the next step in your maritime career.

IMPORTANT: Applicants must currently reside in Cape Town to be considered for this position.

Please note: Applicants without Ships Agent experience will not be considered.

We are looking for an Operations Executive - Ships Agent to join our team in Cape Town. This is a maritime role within port agent operations, not a general operations or logistics position. Only candidates with proven Ships Agent’s experience will be considered.

The Role

Manage all aspects of ships agent operations, from vessel arrival through to departure and final accounts. Be the face of the company on board, ensuring fast turnarounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Cover all aspects of ships agent operations
• Attend to vessel husbandry requirements
• Manage vessel cargo operations in line with industry norms and best practice
• Compile and submit vessel call reports per company and client requirements
• Handle vessel documentation and office admin per SOPs and company policy
• Build strong relationships with principals, vendors and colleagues
• Attend to all port call requirements timeously for the quickest possible turnaround
• Maintain a high-profile on-board vessels
• Compile EPDAs (Estimated Proforma Disbursement Accounts) and finalise and submit FDAs (Final Disbursement Accounts)
• Manage appointment, performance, invoicing and payment of sub-contractors, and issue purchase orders

Requirements

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Minimum 3–5 years’ Ships Agent experience (essential)
• Proven knowledge of vessel operations, including Dry-Bulk exports, Tanker operations, husbandry matters and OPLs
• Fishing vessel experience highly beneficial
• Strong understanding of shipping terminology as it pertains to Port Agency
• Computer literacy (MS Office)
• Good English literacy and numeracy
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to liaise effectively and timeously with internal and external stakeholders and principals
• Able to work under pressure, including extra hours and weekends when required
• Able to work independently without constant supervision
• Strong attention to detail and highly driven
• Valid Code 08 driver’s licence and own reliable transport
• Willing to travel to other local ports in South Africa for cover as needed