Barge Operation

Job Overview :

The Barging function is responsible for planning, coordinating, monitoring, and managing barge operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely transportation of cargo. The function covers end-to-end barging activities, including vessel scheduling and deployment, cargo movement, loading and unloading, sailing and berthing arrangements, operational monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and continuous improvement.

Depending on the level of responsibility, the function supports daily operational execution as well as planning, performance monitoring, resource optimization, problem solving, and overall management of barging activities.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities :

1. Barging Planning & Scheduling

• Plan and coordinate daily, weekly, and periodic barge operations based on cargo requirements, vessel availability, and operational priorities.
• Develop and maintain vessel schedules, deployment plans, and movement plans.
• Coordinate loading, unloading, sailing, berthing, and cargo transportation schedules.
• Monitor vessel readiness and availability to support effective fleet utilization.
• Adjust operational plans based on changes in cargo requirements, vessel conditions, weather, port conditions, or other operational constraints.

2. Daily Barging Operations

• Monitor and coordinate daily barge movements and transportation activities.
• Ensure loading, unloading, sailing, berthing, and cargo movement activities are properly coordinated.
• Monitor operational progress against planned schedules and targets.
• Identify and follow up on delays, operational disruptions, vessel constraints, and other issues affecting cargo transportation.
• Ensure operational activities are properly communicated and coordinated with vessel crews and relevant teams.

3. Vessel & Resource Utilization

• Monitor vessel availability, deployment, utilization, and operational performance.
• Coordinate the allocation of vessels based on cargo requirements and operational priorities.
• Identify opportunities to optimize vessel utilization, turnaround time, and operational resources.
• Monitor operational capacity and identify potential constraints that may affect cargo movement.

4. Cargo Movement & Operational Coordination

• Monitor the movement of cargo from loading point to destination in accordance with operational requirements.
• Coordinate with Wood Supply and other relevant functions regarding cargo availability and transportation requirements.
• Ensure alignment between cargo readiness, vessel availability, and transportation schedules.
• Follow up on operational discrepancies or delays that may impact cargo delivery.

5. Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate with Shipping Management Unit, Wood Supply, Marine, Crewing, port representatives, vessel crews, suppliers, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain effective communication regarding vessel schedules, operational requirements, changes, and issues.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve operational conflicts and constraints.
• Support effective communication between shore-based teams and vessel operations.

6. Safety, Compliance & Operational Control

• Ensure barging activities are carried out in accordance with company policies, operational procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate with Marine/Safety teams regarding operational risks and safety requirements.
• Monitor compliance with established operational procedures.
• Ensure operational incidents, unsafe conditions, delays, or significant issues are properly reported and followed up.

7. Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor key operational indicators such as vessel utilization, schedule adherence, turnaround time, delays, and cargo movement.
• Prepare and review operational reports and performance updates.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Provide relevant operational insights and recommendations to management.
• Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of barging records and documentation.

8. Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Identify operational bottlenecks, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement practical solutions to improve operational efficiency and reliability.
• Support standardization and improvement of barging processes.
• Evaluate operational performance and recommend improvements in scheduling, coordination, resource utilization, and workflow.

9. Team & Function Management

• Provide direction and coordination to the Barging team according to the level of responsibility.
• Establish clear priorities and ensure effective execution of barging activities.
• Monitor team performance and provide guidance and support where required.
• Develop team capability and promote effective coordination across functions.
• For the Head/Manager level, establish operational priorities, manage resources, review performance, and provide strategic direction for the Barging function.

Qualification :

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime, Logistics, Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant experience in barging, shipping, vessel operations, logistics, transportation, or related industries.
• Experience level may vary according to the position level, from operational experience for Officer-level roles to significant operational and leadership experience for Head-level roles.
• Good understanding of barge and vessel operations, cargo transportation, scheduling, and port activities.
• Experience in coordinating with vessel crews, port representatives, internal operational teams, and external stakeholders.
• Experience in the natural resources, mining, maritime, logistics, or related industry is an advantage.

Skill :

• Barging and vessel operational knowledge.
• Planning, scheduling, and operational coordination.
• Vessel and resource utilization monitoring.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Operational data analysis and reporting.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to manage changing operational priorities.
• Safety and operational risk awareness.
• Team coordination and leadership according to position level.
• Good documentation and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Good command of English, both written and verbal.