Ships Agency Operator

Wilhelmsen Ship Management; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilhelmsen Ship Management seeks a capable Port Operations professional based in Cape Town. You will coordinate vessel calls, manage port call logistics and ensure compliance with agency processes and safety standards.

Successful candidates will have maritime experience, strong English communication, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset to operate under pressure while maintaining high service levels for principals and crews.

Qualifications

• Maritime background with experience in Ship Agency Operations.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Strong understanding of processes and systems in port operations.
• Self-motivated, proactive and able to work under pressure.
• Ability to plan, direct and coordinate port calls while upholding personnel and vessel safety.

Responsibilities

• Attend and board vessels as directed by Manager per SOP and customer needs.
• Coordinate effective port call operations and scheduling.
• Advise on contractor selection and submit competitive quotations.
• Ensure compliance with Ships Agency processes, standards and systems.
• Monitor vessel status and respond to follow-ups in real time.
• Handle pre-funding approvals and required authorities before port calls.
• Maintain vessel files and transactional records with real-time updates.
• Communicate proactively and ensure timely information flow.
• Identify leads and opportunities; report to Manager accordingly.
• Monitor port-call expenses for cost-efficient operations.
• Handle Cash-in-Transit procedures per protocol.
• Review supplier invoices and approve payments as required.
• Follow PPE standards when in ports/onboard vessels.
• Contribute to QHSSE improvements within the function.

Skills

Maritime background

English skills

Process knowledge

Team leadership

Tools

Port systems

Job description

Join our global team for a career filled with opportunities to solve challenges both small and large, local and global, simple and complex. Have you ever stared out at sea and wondered which exotic destinations all these ships you see are coming from and going to? We know, as we are agents in more than 2200 ports around the world. In Wilhelmsen Port Services, we provide our customers with piece of mind while we handle their cargo, their vessels, and their crew. We are looking for a talent with strong organizational skills and attention to detail, to be part of our Ships Agency Operations team in Cape Town. If you are well organized, customer focused, have the ability to deal with multiple deadlines, result oriented and motivated by challenges, this may be the position for you. Preferably youalready have a solid understanding of the Shipping Industry and familiar with port regulations and procedure. You will need to possess a strong Health and Safety focus with a desire to get the job done, and get it done right.

Key Responsibilities for this position:

• Attend and board vessels as required and as directed by respective Manager, in accordance with Standard of Operation and Customer Requirements.
• Responsible for the effective coordination of assigned port calls.
• Advice on selection of contractors for goods and services provided to principals, including submission of competitive quotations, as required.
• Ensure compliance with Ships Agency processes, standards and procedures, including correct use of the operating system.
• Maintain proper monitoring of the vessel and attend to any follow up enquiries.
• Ensure correct amount of pre-funding are received or the correct level of authority has approved any deviation, prior to performing the Port Call.
• Same to be ensured when additional funding required prior vessel’s sailing.
• Establish and maintain vessel’s files and all transactional systems are updated real time.
• Ensure proactive, efficient and timely communication at all times.
• Report leads; business opportunities and relevant port updates observed to Manager.
• Monitor and record expenses that arises during vessels’ port call ensuring cost effective vessel operations.
• Ensure Cash-in-Transit (Cash to Master) as per procedure.
• Proactively follow up, check and approve supplier’s invoices.
• Comply with PPE Standard when working in ports/onboard vessels.
• QHSSE matters in own function Provide input to improve the operational and cost efficiency of the port call

Required Qualification and skills:

• Maritime background and experience from Ship Agency Operations.
• Good communication skills and command of the in English language (oral and written).
• Process and system understanding.
• Self-motivated and result orientated.
• Proactive and possesses ability to anticipate issue to facilitate preventive measures.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Problem solving skills with ability to make fast and sound judgement.
• Ability to effectively plan & direct an operation without compromising on safety to personnel and vessel.
• Good motivator and team leadership skills.
• Familiar with Port & local Authorities regulations, procedures and governing tariffs.
• Computer literate.
• The ability to work independently, to work under pressure, to be a problem solver, and a solution provider are important traits to be successful in the role, howeveralwaysremembering you are part of a team working to be successful together.
• Reliability, trustworthiness, multitasking,thoroughness,and determination are all characteristics that you also need to possess.

Work location:

Position is based in Cape Town, and includes Agency operational responsibilities for Saldanha Bay & Mossel Bay

Application deadline:

16/10/2026

#WPS Founded in Norway in 1861, Wilhelmsen is now a comprehensive global maritime group providing essential products and services to the merchant fleet, along with supplying crew and technical management to the largest and most complex vessels ever to sail. Committed to shaping the maritime industry, we also seek to develop new opportunities and collaborations in renewables, zero-emission shipping, and marine digitalisation. Supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace, with thousands of colleagues across more than 60 countries, we take innovation, sustainability and unparalleled customer experiences one step further.