Shipbroker

What does a ship clearance agent do? – Tasks and work environment

A ship clearance agent is responsible for coordinating and managing all administrative and logistical matters when a ship arrives or departs from a port. Tasks include contact with shipping companies, authorities, and port personnel, handling customs documentation, ordering pilots and tugboats, and ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations during the vessel's stay. The environment is often characterized by high pace, rapidly changing tasks, and a great need for flexibility, as ships can arrive and leave around the clock. The work mainly takes place in offices near ports but often requires presence on the quay or onboard ships to oversee unloading, loading, and other key activities.

Salary development over time

The salary for a ship clearance agent has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,100 SEK per month, increasing to 37,900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 41 100 kr per month. This represents an increase of approximately 10.8% over three years, indicating a strong trend compared to many other professions within transport and logistics. The salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified personnel with good language skills and digital competence, as well as the growing need for efficient logistics services in a globalized economy. The clear trend is that employers value experience and flexibility highly, which is reflected in the wage development.

Ship clearance agent salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (male, private employment, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage: 247 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men earn 43 000 SEK/month, women 38900 SEK/month (women earn 90% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: No specific statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a ship clearance agent, a high school diploma in transportation, logistics, or economics is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with postgraduate education, such as in shipping, logistics, or international trade. Practical experience from port operations or forwarding is often advantageous, as well as good language skills and administrative ability.

• Formal education: High school diploma (3 years), preferably supplemented with vocational college (2 years) in logistics, shipping, or transportation
• Certifications: Courses in customs handling, dangerous goods (ADR/IMDG), or port safety are advantageous
• Internships: Internships or trainee positions with freight forwarders, ports, or shipping companies provide valuable experience
• Languages: Good knowledge of English and Swedish is often a requirement
• Prerequisites: Stress resilience, administrative accuracy, and teamwork skills

Common benefits and compensations

Ship clearance agents are often offered benefits such as night shift allowances for work outside regular hours, wellness contributions, and flexible working hours. Office employees in the profession sometimes also have access to training support, pension contributions, and insurance through the employer. Some workplaces also offer bonus programs linked to performance or company results.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a ship clearance agent is relatively even, but certain challenges must be considered. The profession is characterized by irregular working hours and high availability requirements, especially during unexpected ship arrivals. Digitalization of port processes increases demands on technical competence and quick adaptability. Good cooperation skills are also essential, as the role links many stakeholders. Limited access to trained ship clearance agents means employers sometimes compete for experienced candidates, especially in larger ports.

Tips for those who want to become a ship clearance agent

To succeed as a ship clearance agent, it is good to have a strong sense of service and the ability to act quickly when situations change. Being precise and organized helps with document handling and compliance with regulations, while a communicative and diplomatic approach makes it easier to collaborate with various actors in the port. Flexibility is crucial, as the work often involves irregular hours and rapid changes. Developing technical skills and staying updated on digital systems provides advantages in today’s modern ports. For those who are stress-resistant and solution-oriented, there are good opportunities to advance, especially if you show engagement and take initiative. Building a network within the industry and participating in relevant training also increases chances of interesting positions and further development.

Key facts about ship clearance agents

• Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with vocational college
• Work environment: Office-based with elements of port work and irregular hours
• Work form: Full-time, sometimes shift work
• Demand: 550 job openings within the profession (2024)
• Special skills: Customs handling, logistics systems, English

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a ship clearance agent can advance to senior clearance officer, supervisor, or move on to roles such as freight forwarder, logistics manager, or port manager. Specialization in hazardous goods, customs handling, or digital logistics opens additional career opportunities, especially in larger ports and international shipping companies. According to the Swedish Employment Service forecast, there is no precise assessment for ship clearance agents, but the professions of freight forwarders and transport brokers have a stable number of job openings (550 reported in 2024). Digitalization and increased international trade are expected to increase the need for qualified ship clearance agents in the long term, although regional variations may occur depending on port development and cargo volumes.

Common questions about ship clearance agents

• What does a ship clearance agent earn in 2024?
  - The average salary for a ship clearance agent is 41 100 kr per month.
• Are there large salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 38900 kr and men 43 000 kr, which means women earn 90% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a ship clearance agent?
  - A high school diploma in transportation, logistics, or economics is recommended, often supplemented with vocational college and courses in customs or hazardous goods.
• What is the job market like for ship clearance agents?
  - There are 550 job openings in the profession and stable demand, although no exact future forecast is available.
• What are the most common job responsibilities?
  - Handling customs documents, coordinating with shipping companies and authorities, as well as logistics during ship arrivals and departures.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for ship clearance agents?
  - The highest salary is 50,000 SEK (male, postgraduate education), the lowest is 37,900 SEK (female, high school education).
• Which personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Stress resilience, accuracy, communication skills, and flexibility are central qualities for success.