Boarding Agent​/Operator Antwerpen

Overview

Join our global team for a career filled with opportunities to solve challenges both small and large, local and global, simple and complex. Ter versterking van ons team in de Benelux zoeken wij een enthousiaste collega’s! Wil jij een bijdrage leveren aan onze groeiambitities? Diverse locaties:
Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Terneuzen en Antwerpen (English below)

At Wilhelmsen Port Services, we provide our customers with peace of mind by handling their cargo, vessels, and crew. With over 75,000 port calls per year, we safely send a ship out to sea every 7 minutes somewhere in the world. We combine local expertise with strict global standards to ensure our customers’ port calls are handled as efficiently and safely as possible.

Now more than ever, we recognize that the maritime industry keeps the world moving. As agents, we are the vital link in the global transport of goods. Our vision is to shape the maritime industry, and we continuously develop new and improved solutions for our customers—such as last‑mile drone delivery.

You will be working in our Port Operations Department, also known as the ‘Kapiteinskamer’ (Captain’s Room). This department is responsible for the clearance of vessels upon arrival and departure. We manage all operational and administrative aspects for incoming and outgoing ships, relieving the burden for various shipping companies and clients. The team consists of approximately 80 colleagues: 50 based in Schiedam, 10 in Amsterdam, 20 in Terneuzen, and 20 in Antwerp.

Across these locations, there are plenty of opportunities for development and collaboration with experienced professionals.

We are looking for an energetic colleague for an operational role within our Port Operations Department. In this position, you will work in rotating shifts and board vessels to coordinate with the captain and handle the clearance process. You will be responsible for the efficient and accurate handling of each port call, both administratively and operationally. This role requires close collaboration with both office and field colleagues.

Clear communication and information transfer are essential to ensure our 24/7 service runs smoothly and professionally. This requires flexibility and, of course, a positive attitude; together, we deliver excellent service! Depending on your experience and background, we will assign a role that best matches your expertise and potential.

• Handling various types of vessels in a 24/7 shift environment.
• Processing documentation related to vessel clearance.
• Coordinating with terminals and shippers regarding berth availability, and liaising with port authorities and stakeholders on vessel arrivals and departures.
• Ordering pilots, tugboats, and mooring services for vessel movements.
• Preparing cargo documents, customs forms, and immigration papers.
• Coordinating third‑party services such as fuel and provisions.
• Providing requested services to captains and/or principals.
• Reporting to principals and cargo stakeholders, either from the office, directly to parties, or from the vessel via a colleague.
• Independently managing vessel port calls.

• A relevant MBO‑3 or MBO‑4 level education (e.g., Port Logistics Management).
• Preferably, several years of experience as a boarding officer or in ship agency, maritime, or transport/logistics sectors.
• A valid driver’s licence (Category
  
  B).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both Dutch and English.

• A fun and challenging role within one of the world’s largest and most innovative maritime companies, where you can help strengthen our established reputation.
• A full‑time position with a 12‑month contract and the prospect of a permanent contract.
• A competitive salary based on age and/or experience, profit‑sharing scheme, and 8.33% holiday allowance.
• Participation in our pension scheme with excellent conditions.
• Company car and mobile phone.
• 31 vacation days per year.
• A modern office with excellent facilities, including a company canteen, in‑house gym, and high‑quality IT equipment such as a laptop, Office
  365, and full MSTeams integration.

Founded in Norway in 1861, Wilhelmsen is now a global maritime group providing essential products and services to over half of the world’s merchant fleet. We also offer crew and technical management for the largest and most complex vessels ever built. Committed to shaping the maritime industry, we actively explore and develop new opportunities in renewable energy, offshore, and energy sectors.

With thousands of colleagues in over 70 countries, we support a diverse and inclusive work environment and continuously push the boundaries in competence, sustainability, innovation, and customer experience.