Vessel Planner

APM Terminals is the global terminal operating arm of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group. APM Terminals operates a Global Terminal Network of 76 operating port and terminal facilities and 117 Inland Services operations in 59 countries around the globe.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Vessel Planner

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers

Description

• As a Vessel Planner, you will be responsible for planning, validating, optimizing and continuously monitoring vessel loading and discharge operations from the Operations Control Room.
• You will ensure vessel plans are safe, executable and aligned with stowage requirements, yard capability, equipment availability and operational priorities.
• Working collaboratively with operational stakeholders, you will help deliver safe, predictable and efficient vessel operations while supporting continuous improvement across terminal activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, maintain and update vessel discharge, loading, restow and shifting plans within the Terminal Operating System.
• Validate vessel stability, stowage compatibility, loading and discharge sequences, crane work distribution and special stowage requirements.
• Monitor live vessel operations and compare planned versus actual execution to protect crane productivity and operational continuity.
• Adjust vessel plans in real time to address operational constraints while maintaining plan integrity and clear communication with execution teams.
• Troubleshoot operational planning issues including yard conflicts, resource mismatches, sequencing challenges and delayed unit delivery.
• Coordinate closely with Yard Planning, CHE Analysts, Dispatch, Equipment Control and frontline teams to align planning with execution.
• Participate in postmortems, root-cause analysis, SQDC reviews and continuous-improvement activities to strengthen planning performance.

What We Are Looking For

• Continuous improvement mindset: we are looking for someone who brings a thoughtful improvement mindset—curious about how work gets done and motivated to make meaningful, sustainable improvements over time.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Maritime Studies, Transport Management, Engineering, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in container terminal operations, vessel planning, yard planning, dispatching, equipment control or a closely related operational function.
• Strong understanding of vessel, yard, gate and equipment operations, including container flow management and vessel loading and discharge processes.
• Proficiency in terminal operating systems, preferably Navis N4, XPS or equivalent platforms, together with strong Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Teams skills.
• Strong analytical, planning, communication and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Commitment to safety, operational discipline, teamwork and the ability to work rotational shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays.

What We Can Offer

• At APM Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to improvement is driven by Lean principles, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. Experience a diverse, multinational workplace where your operational insights directly influence how we work.

• Gain in-depth exposure to container terminal operations and vessel-planning activities.
• Develop expertise in vessel operations, operational planning and execution coordination.
• Work closely with planning, equipment control and frontline operational teams to support safe and efficient vessel operations.
• Build skills and experience that can support future progression towards a Shift Planning Supervisor role.