Shipping Agency

Who we act for

We act as local agent for shipowners, disponent owners, operators, charterers and ship managers, handling liner and tramp vessels of all types. A dedicated agency department, staffed by people with operating experience, looks after each call from the first pre-arrival message to the final disbursement account.

Owners' and charterers' affairs kept apart

Our agency departments are set up separately to handle owners' affairs and charterers' affairs. Each keeps its own identity, so that we can protect one party's interests without a conflict with the other. In practice it works as if two separate agents were appointed, which is the accepted way of handling such appointments in shipping.

Owners' protecting agency

When appointed as owners' protecting agent, we supervise vessel and cargo activity on a 24-hour basis. The aim is a vessel that stays ready for work and cargo operations that are not interrupted, without objections or delays from shippers, receivers or charterers.

• Supervision of loading and discharging for accurate, damage-free cargo handling
• Cross-checks against the mate's receipt so that bills of lading are issued correctly and cargo is delivered safely at the discharge port
• Verification of letters of indemnity, including the authority and signatures of local bank signatories, before cargo is released under such arrangements
• Monitoring of weather to judge whether conditions permit safe cargo work, reducing the risk of cargo damage and later claims
• Prompt reporting to owners and masters on any matter affecting the vessel's interests

Charterers' agency

Chartered vessels are handled by a department separate from the owners' protecting agency. It follows the terms of the charter party closely and looks after the charterer's or receiver's interests while the vessel is loading or discharging. More on chartering support.