Harbour Master - Ardersier, United Kingdom - Haventus Ltd

Description

About Haventus
Haventus is the owner of Ardersier Port. We transform traditional ports into energy transition facilities, accelerating our energy future.

Ardersier Port is a 450-acre facility near Inverness in Scotland and one of the largest brownfield ports in the UK.

Following the initial Investment in April 2023, a major redevelopment programme at Ardersier Port has commenced.

The construction programme and future operational needs of the port are going to have a substantial impact on the local economy and has the potential to create hundreds of jobs and reskilling opportunities for the local community, the wider energy transition sector in Scotland and around the world.

Role Purpose

As we prepare for our expected port opening in summer 2025, the Harbour Master will play a pivotal role in leading the team to ensure our preparation and port operations are of an exceptional standard.

The role holder will take a strategic approach when coordinating with port stakeholders, government agencies and maritime organisations to uphold the port's reputation as a reliable and safe energy transition port.

The Harbour Master will be a maritime expert, responsible for leading the Marine team in effective management of vessel traffic, ensuring navigational safety and implementing port security measures, whilst overseeing all aspects of port operations, safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the port, including vessel movements, berth allocations and cargo handling activities with the full support of the Marine Manager and Marine Team.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vessel masters, agents, port users and regulatory authorities regarding port operations, navigational issues and safety concerns.
• Mentor, guide and support Marine team colleagues including harbour pilots, tugboat crews and marine technicians, to enhance their skills and ensure adherence to best practices.
• Conduct regular inspections of port facilities, navigational aids and equipment to maintain operational readiness and identify areas for improvement.
• Oversee maintenance schedules of all equipment across the port. Ensure the Marine team keep records up to date for berths, moorings, plant, lifting equipment, oil and fuel tanks, vehicles and vessels including the upkeep and maintenance of sea survival equipment.
• Review and authorise pilots and pilotage exemption certificates.
• Ensure the Marine team are compliant with local, national, and international maritime regulations, including safety, security and environmental standards.
• Keep up to date with marine legislation and port safety standards, ensuring that port safety procedures, emergency response plans and risk management strategies are in place.
• Oversee the investigation of any accidents, incidents or near-misses that occur ensuring next steps are implemented to drive a culture of safety at the port.
• Take a leading role in collaborating with the port management team to develop strategic plans, budgets and performance metrics to achieve organisational goals and objectives.
• Coordinate with port stakeholders, including the management team, energy transition customers, government agencies and maritime service providers, to optimise port efficiency and productivity.
• Represent the port at industry conferences, meetings, and forums to promote collaboration, share best practices and stay informed about emerging trends in the maritime sector.

Person Specification
Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a marine or port managerial role, ensuring efficient operations using statutory and delegated powers (e.g. Bye Laws and Harbour Revision Orders.
• A strong understanding of the PMSC, relevant marine legislation and the running of a Ports Safety Management system.
• Business acumen including a good understanding of financial planning and budget management.
• Understanding of oil pollution contingency planning, ISPS code, waste management procedures.
• Master Mariner CoC or equivalent (desirable).
• Harbour Master/Port Management Diploma (desirable).
• Ship or port security officer training (desirable).

Professional Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, comfortable connecting with internal and external stakeholders to build professional working relationships.
• Strong leadership in a port environment showing the ability to coach and develop members of the Marine team to deliver excellence.
• Ability to apply a strategic lens to port operations, spotting new opportunities and improvement areas.
• Coping well under pressure and being able to balance priorities in a fast paced environment.
• Proactive approach to ensure we're 'one step ahead' with planning, forecasting and ensuring we are a world class energy transition port facility.

Additional role requirements

The successful candidate must:

• Be located within a reasonable commuting distance to Ardersier Port
• Have flexibility to work outside of normal working hours when necessary
• Hold a full driving licence
• Have eligibility to work in the UK