Ellis Oliver

Ellis tells us about his time at Solent and how his degree set him up for a career as a Senior Port Agent, coordinating vessel port calls from arrival to departure, keeping operations running safely and efficiently, and acting as the vital link between everyone involved.

What does a Senior Port Agent actually do all day?

No two days are the same — which is what I love about it. I attend vessels in person, coordinate pilots and tugboats, liaise with terminal operators, handle documentation, organise crew services, prepare financial accounts, and communicate constantly with ship owners, operators, captains and port authorities.

Some days are routine; others are high-pressure, where quick thinking and sharp problem-solving are essential. You need strong organisation, real adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities at once. Maritime never stands still.

Why did you choose Solent?

The course let me build a strong understanding of how the industry actually operates, while giving me the freedom to explore and develop my interests as I progressed. Southampton itself was a huge factor too. It’s one of the UK's leading maritime cities, where the industry feels part of everyday life, which made the whole experience far more relevant and immersive.

If you're interested in shipping, trade, logistics, port operations or the commercial side of maritime business, this course is for you. It balances hands-on industry insight with a look at the bigger global picture.

What made your lecturers actually worth listening to?

They were genuinely invested in our development, always on hand with career guidance, honest advice about industry expectations and strong contacts that opened doors to site visits, guest lectures and networking opportunities. They bridged the gap between study and the real world in a way that made a real difference.

What were the facilities like on campus?

The facilities on campus were excellent, offering a professional learning environment with maritime-focused resources that kept the course closely connected to real industry operations. And being in Southampton meant I was surrounded by an active, living industry every single day, which constantly reinforced what I was learning.

Did your degree actually prepare you for the real world?

Absolutely. Studying shipping operations, port management, maritime law, logistics and international trade gave me a comprehensive understanding of the industry that proved invaluable from day one in my role. The transition into professional life was smooth. I could apply what I'd learnt to real situations quickly, which built my confidence and adaptability in a fast-moving environment.

Tell us about the real-world experience opportunities you got.

The course consistently pushed us to engage with the industry beyond the classroom. The standout for me was completing my dissertation in partnership with the RNLI. My research addressed a genuine operational gap and contributed to future crew training. Producing work with real-world impact was one of the highlights of my entire time at university.

I also had the chance to network with industry professionals throughout the course and visit the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) headquarters in London, a fascinating insight into the global framework that governs maritime operations worldwide.

What's your biggest career highlight so far?

Being trusted with real responsibility early on has been huge for me, as has working across such a diverse range of vessel types and environments. It's broadened my understanding of the industry faster than I expected. I've also really valued the chance to return to Solent to speak with current students about careers in maritime. Being able to share my experiences and hopefully inspire others was something I found genuinely rewarding.

What's your advice for anyone wanting to break into the industry?

Stay curious. Take every opportunity to get practical exposure to the industry. Experience and attitude are incredibly valuable in maritime.

Work on your communication. Building relationships and communicating clearly with different stakeholders will carry you throughout your entire career.