Shipping clerks have the duty to meet the general needs of ships and crews while they are docking at the port. They ensure support on board and play the role of intermediary between stakeholders so that everything may be fine during the stay in Le Havre. They are employed by the shipowner/shipping agent.
Shipping clerks speak fluent English because crews are often composed of people of many different nationalities.
Source: multiple Internet sources, specialized literature, testimonials (Pratic-Export, Pôle-emploi cards, Wikipedia, Onisep, CNRTL, Umep à la Page…)