Paul is responsible for the day-to-day operations across a wide selection of ports throughout the United Kingdom.
Have a read to see what a day in the life is like as the Director of Operations and Commercial at DAN Shipping…
6:50 AM
After waking up and jumping in the shower, my first task is to review any overnight communications, such as emails, reports, or messages from port authorities, clients or principles. Oh, and of course, I can’t forget my morning coffee.
7:30 AM
Now it’s time to leave for the office, making sure I take any morning calls to our Managing Director to discuss any matters for the day.
8:00 AM
Once I arrive in the office, it’s time to get a head start on the day. My first task is to get a briefing from the duty personnel and review any issues arising from overnight or the weekend prior. I then gather the operations team together for a morning briefing, this is where we will discuss the day’s priorities or any challenges that need immediate attention. We assign tasks and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities for the day.
I then went into a client meeting, which can vary from discussing upcoming vessel arrivals, and cargo handling requirements to any special requests. These meetings are crucial for maintaining our strong relationships and client satisfaction.
11:00 AM
I spent mid-morning reviewing port schedules, vessel movements, and cargo handling plans. This involves coordinating with port authorities, terminal operators, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and efficient use of resources.
12:00 – 13:00
Time to enjoy some lunch.
13:00 PM – 17:00 PM
In the afternoon, one of the first things I’ll be doing is problem solving. I will address any operational issues that have arisen throughout the day, these could include delays in vessel berthing, equipment breakdowns or labour shortages. My role is to quickly assess the situation, identify a solution, and implement corrective actions to minimise disruptions.
I will allocate time in my afternoon to reviewing and processing documentation related to our services and ensure that all paperwork is accurate, compliant, and submitted on time to avoid delays or penalties. As a team, we will constantly check in to monitor progress on our projects, and I will provide guidance where needed.
17:00 – 17:30 PM
Before leaving the office for the day to go back to my family, I will wrap up the day by identifying any issues that need a follow up and make sure to plan my priorities for the next day. I will also make sure to update schedules and communicate any changes to the relevant stakeholders before the working day is done. In the world of Maritime, you never fully switch off so I will go home with my phone on loud, ready to be available if someone needs me.