Date: 27 Aug 2026
Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Short Sea Ports, GB
#job-location.job-location-inline { display: inline; }
Company: ABP
We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.
It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.
We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.
Marine Coordinator
Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Company: Associated British Ports (ABP)
Closing Date: 11th September 2026
Join ABP and Help Keep Barrow Moving
Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK's leading ports group, handling around a quarter of the nation's seaborne trade. We are looking for a confident and capable Marine Coordinator to join our marine operations team in Barrow-in-Furness.
This is a unique opportunity for someone with recent marine experience and knowledge of port or lock operations to play a vital role in the safe and efficient operation of the Port of Barrow. Working at the heart of marine operations, you will oversee lock movements, coordinate vessel traffic, respond to port emergencies and support the safe navigation of vessels within the port's navigable waters.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Marine Coordinator, you will:
Oversee lock operations and assist vessels transiting the lock safely.
Provide Marine Control and Local Port Service cover to support the safe operation of the port.
Monitor vessel movements using electronic systems, visual observation and VHF communications.
Act as the first point of contact during port emergencies and major incidents.
Support port security activities, ensuring compliance with ISPS and DfT requirements.
Operate locks, gates, sluices and sea gates safely and efficiently.
Maintain logs, reports and routine administration records.
Liaise with ships, agents, customers, emergency services and other port stakeholders.
Conduct routine safety and security inspections.
Support the Harbour Master team with a variety of operational activities.
What We're Looking For
To be successful in this position, you'll need:
Recent experience working within a marine environment.
Knowledge and understanding of port lock operations.
The ability to remain calm and react confidently in a dynamic operational environment.
Experience providing advice and support to customers or port users.
Competency in VHF radio operation.
Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently.
The flexibility to work a continuous rotating shift pattern.
Desirable
Working knowledge of Marine Safety Management Systems, Quality Management Systems and associated procedures.
Shift Pattern & Benefits
This role operates on a structured rotating shift pattern comprising:
4 consecutive day shifts
4 days off
4 consecutive night shifts
This sequence is repeated 8 times
Followed by an extended 18-day break
12-hour shifts: 07:00-19:00 (days) and 19:00-07:00 (nights)
This pattern provides significant periods of time off while supporting our 24/7 operational requirements.
Why Join ABP?
At ABP, you'll become part of a team responsible for keeping one of the UK's most important maritime industries moving safely and efficiently. You'll work in a highly varied operational role where no two days are the same, helping vessels, customers and stakeholders navigate a busy marine environment while contributing to the continued success of the Port of Barrow.
Want to see what it’s like to work for the UK’s largest port operator? Our virtual work experience programme gives you an inside look at trade, sustainability, safety, and careers in one of the UK’s most vital indutries- https://www.talentxp.co.uk/track/e2e029cd
Additional Information:
When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.
Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.
We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.
As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels
