Terminal Shipplanner
In Le Havre, terminal shipplanners receive and compile information sent by the “Central planner”. They then must fetch information related to the port of call and pass it to the ship which will integrate it into its system. Finally, they must come on board to introduce the final plan as well as potential modifications that may have taken place during the handling phase.
In addition, they must be able to meet the client’s requirements such as adding more containers at the last minute or act as a link between the chief Officer, his crew and the longshoremen when they do not understand each other for language reasons. They are, in fact, a focal point and coordinate the client (shipowner ), the crew and officers, the handlers and the central planner.
They are employed by the handling operator.
Testimonial
Stephane and Sebastien both work in the port business, respectively as chief assistant and port handling chief. Sebastien trained as a surveyor and qualified as a topographer designer before he seized the opportunity to work in the port. “This job is wonderful, longshoremen are like a big family and are all united. We work all year long on sea giants, night and day, in a very friendly atmosphere.” Stephane shares this opinion. He reached that position after he was awarded a mechanical engineering baccalaureat and an Engineering technical assistant BTS. He adds: “I was able to discover port life in all its various aspects. I worked in different positions such as grabber or forklift operator. I definitely discovered strong solidarity, something rare nowadays.”
Jerome holds a BTS Commerce (International business bachelor degree) and Sebastien a vocational day release BTS in Transport and Logistics. Both now work as ship planners, acting as intermediaries between the crew on board, the tonnage center and the longshoremen lifting office service in order to ensure orderly loading of the ship.
Jerome considers that this profession allowed him to practice his passion for the maritime and port environment, to prove autonomous and strong in the decisions he must take and which must be both fast and in the best interest of his company, the ships and the clients.
Sebastien adds: “I developed relationships with foreign people and that helped me practice and improve my English. I can better manage emergencies and priorities and develop my sense of flexibility, adaptability and anticipation.” He was able to “come out of his shell” and now continuously works in a team.
Source: multiple Internet sources, specialized literature, testimonials (Pratic-Export, Pôle-emploi cards, Wikipedia, Onisep, CNRTL, Umep à la Page, etc.)
