About this role
Position Summary
The Port Master Planner will lead and support the planning, development, optimization, and expansion of ports and marine terminals. The role integrates port strategy, demand forecasting, terminal planning, marine access, cargo operations, landside infrastructure, logistics, and phased development planning to establish practical and commercially viable port master plans.
The Port Master Planner will work across feasibility studies, port development strategies, master plans, concept designs, business cases, and tender-stage assignments, coordinating closely with port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, engineering disciplines, economists, environmental specialists, and other stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Port Master Planning
Lead the preparation and review of port and terminal master plans for:Container terminalsGeneral cargo and multipurpose terminalsDry and liquid bulk terminalsRo-Ro and automotive terminalsFerry and passenger facilitiesIndustrial and logistics portsOffshore and marine service facilitiesDevelop port layouts covering marine and landside infrastructure, including:Navigation channels and approach areasPort entrances and breakwatersTurning basins and manoeuvring areasBerths, quay lines, jetties, and marine facilitiesTerminal yards and storage areasCargo-handling and operational areasPort roads and rail infrastructureGates and truck-processing facilitiesWarehousing and logistics areasUtility and support areasPort administration and ancillary facilitiesDevelop short-, medium-, and long-term development strategies and phased implementation plans.Safeguard corridors and development areas required for future expansion.Marine Planning
Establish requirements for:Navigation channelsHarbour entrancesTurning circles and manoeuvring areasAnchorage areasBerth pocketsTug and pilot facilitiesNavigation aidsDefine design vessel fleets and future vessel requirements.Coordinate with navigation simulation, metocean, coastal engineering, dredging, and marine infrastructure specialists.Review vessel manoeuvring and navigation simulation studies and incorporate findings into master plans.Terminal Planning
Develop terminal concepts based on cargo type, throughput, vessel characteristics, operational philosophy, and available land.Evaluate alternative terminal configurations and cargo-handling systems.Develop equipment strategies considering systems such as:Ship-to-shore cranesRTGs and RMGsAutomated stacking systemsReach stackers and terminal tractorsMobile harbour cranesConveyors and bulk-handling systemsDevelop yard configurations, circulation patterns, operational zoning, and equipment interfaces.Consider automation, digitalization, and future technology requirements in terminal planning.Deliverables
The Port Master Planner will lead or contribute to preparation of:
Port master plansTerminal planning reportsDevelopment strategy reportsFeasibility studiesCapacity assessmentsDemand and capacity modelsOperational conceptsPort and terminal layoutsDevelopment phasing plansInfrastructure requirementsDesign vessel assessmentsCAPEX inputsOption evaluation matricesTechnical presentationsTender and proposal documentation Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transport Planning, Maritime Engineering, Port Management, Logistics, or a related discipline.Master's degree in Port Planning, Maritime Engineering, Transport Planning, Logistics, Maritime Economics, or a related discipline is advantageous.Chartered Engineer, Chartered Transport Planner, or equivalent professional qualification is desirable.Experience
Typically 10–15+ years of relevant professional experience, with significant experience in port master planning, terminal planning, maritime infrastructure, or port operations.Demonstrable experience preparing master plans for major ports or marine terminals.Experience with multiple cargo sectors is advantageous.Strong understanding of both marine-side and landside port operations.Experience working with international port authorities, terminal operators, consultants, developers, or major contractors is desirable.Middle East/GCC port planning experience is advantageous.Technical Knowledge
Strong knowledge of several of the following areas is expected:
Port master planning principlesContainer and cargo terminal planningBerth and terminal capacity analysisPort operations and productivityVessel characteristics and design fleetsNavigation and marine access planningCargo-handling equipmentYard planning and storage requirementsPort road and rail systemsPort logistics and hinterland connectivityDredging and reclamation requirementsPort development phasingCAPEX and development economicsPort automation and digitalizationSustainability and decarbonizationFamiliarity with relevant international guidance, including PIANC, UNCTAD, IMO, IAPH, BS/Eurocodes and applicable national and port authority requirements, is desirable.