Berth Planning Manager at Hapag-Lloyd AG

Job Summary

The Berth planning manager ensures that we deliver operational quality as our containers transit through our ports. By aligning operational and asset capabilities in the port under his/her control as well as a regular performance management with the hub terminals, the position enables the smooth connection of our boxes through our network and aligns the commercial volume flows with operational requirements.

Also drives significant operation enhancements, quality improvements along with operation and cost efficiencies with port/terminal operators. Enables HL organization to react faster, establish corrective actions upholding direct onsite communication with the terminal, and ensure feedback.  Monitors operational progress. Drives proforma optimisations in collaboration with Network Execution and Berth Planning. 

Drive day-to-day berth prospect agreements with terminals, focusing on the fast turnaround of vessels to meet network requirements along with maintaining the port in a healthy state.

Job Responsibilities

• Act as the command center in control of the operations with the terminal

• Drive Hapag-Lloyd’s cooperation with the port and support in setting up capacity and operational capabilities, closely engage with the terminal with a performance-driven mindset to ensure smooth operation

• Provide direction and guidance to our local operations, commercial and equipment teams on requirements to connect containers (full and empty) in the port. 

• Ensure long-term planning (~ four weeks) and executional plan (~ two weeks) are aligned with all relevant stakeholders to allow productive port operations 

• Responsible for consistent operations in ports (quay side, yard and gate operation), linked with speedy turnaround of vessels and reliable transshipment activities

• Ensure gate alignments are done with the hub in advance basis requirements

• Ensure volume flow projections are aligned with terminal limitations and where needed act as escalation and decision point to avoid any operational breakdown in our hubs 

• Act as a lead in managing crisis and incidents impacting our container and vessel operations and ensuring internal disruption reports are shared

• In coordination with Network Execution, liaise with the terminal operator to ensure the most optimal berthing lineup for incoming vessels and proactively monitor ETA and ETC progress

• Coordinates timely dispatch of vessels with the terminal and Network Execution

• Optimize the berth plan to secure the transshipment connection and maximize vessel utilization 

• In coordination with Network Execution, ensures the reduction to the maximum (ideally to 0 hrs.) of waiting time outside for incoming vessels

• Builds relationship and improves coordination with port authorities to improve efficiency of pilot movements on Hapag Lloyd vessels

• Ensures dwell day of transshipment units are within required parameters

• Conducts post-port call reviews of vessel calls to assess and address areas of improvement

• Identifies and coordinates possible operational cost reduction measures.

• Liaises with Regional and local procurement identifying new opportunities for costs optimizations.

• Responsible for timely maintenance of Terminal information in Ankeri for locations within the scope

• Follow upcoming weather forecast for the next week to plan required contingencies.

• Ensures that berth performance reports (e.g TPFREPs) are generated in time, as well as quality and accuracy checks and works on performance deviations

• Ensure SLA payouts are done basis executed productivity

• Identify significant changes in volumes per service and work with Marine Ops for possible proforma and berth windows changes

• Monitors terminal operations to ensure work is flowing in accordance with defined processes

• Collaborates closely with all involved teams to achieve best possible berthing prospects for HL vessels

• Supports contract negotiations with vendors, evaluating that all established requirements are met

• Supports and promotes new business processes for smoother workflows

• Ensures accuracy and timeliness of updates to ensure the Terminal has the latest most up-to-date information

• Acts as Port chain super-user. Responsible for high usage levels and onboarding of new Terminals. Works closely with Port chain Team to ensure the success of the project and support Area OPS for implementing and using the tool

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marine studies, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field, or experience as a Nautical Officer. 

• 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. 

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build relationships with key stakeholders. 

• 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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