In an industry as international as shipping, it is impossible for a ship operator to have offices in every port where its ships might call. Instead, ship operators rely on a network of port agents to act as their eyes and ears to ensure the safe and secure running of their ships. As the representative of the ship, the port agent helps keep global trade moving and profits flowing.

Port Agency examines in detail this critical front-line role. From the day-to-day duties expected of a port agent and the legal background to the role, to the mass of documentation needed and relationships with principals, Port Agency guides the reader through this fascinating aspect of the shipping industry.

Port Agency

We offer a nationwide Port Agency service to ship owners on a contractual basis and by inducement.

Based in Felixstowe, we are ideally located to provide Port Agency services at Felixstowe, Harwich, Ipswich, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, Tilbury, Thamesport and Sheerness.

Our experienced and qualified staff (including ex-seafarers) are able to arrange berthing, pilotage, tugs, unloading and loading, stevedoring, bunkering and payment of Light Dues and disbursements.

We take care of all documentary requirements including; vessel clearance on arrival and departure; liaising with Harbour Authorities, Port Authorities, HMRC and the Border Agency; issuing Manifests, Bills of Lading and Light Dues Certificates.

We can arrange delivery of stores, facilitate any repairs required (through our network of competent and trusted suppliers) and take care of all your crews’ needs while in port.

With greater emphasis placed on electronic arrival and departure declarations for vessels in the UK, our investment in port community systems and direct computer links to the major UK ports puts us ahead of our competitors.

In summary, full agency / husbandry or protecting agency services are available.

Specialist services are also available for the ‘off-shore’ and ‘renewables’ markets, which require a different touch.

Overall, our aim is to alleviate the burden on the Master and crew while a vessel is in port and ensure a quick vessel turnaround.

Responsibilities of shipping agents include:

  • Ensuring a berth for the incoming vessel
  • Arranging for the pilot and the tugs if necessary
  • Drawing up the documents for the customs and harbour services
  • Assisting the master in making the necessary contacts with the local authorities and the harbour authorities
  • Arranging for the necessary ship provisions
  • Arranging for storage bunkers if these are needed
  • Arranging for the necessary repairs
  • Conveying instructions to and from the ship owner
  • Organising the supply, transport and the handling of the goods
  • Organising the necessary contacts with the stevedores
  • Collecting freights, cargoes
  • Contacting shippers and the receivers of the goods

In the case of damage to cargo or the ship, the shipping agent also makes the necessary arrangements (at the request of the ship’s master or owner) with the insurance company, and for nautical inspections and the services of experts or surveyors, etc

  • The specific tasks of a cargo broker or port agent include:
  • Providing the necessary information concerning the freight rates and the publication of the sailing lists
  • Looking for cargo via notices and sailing lists
  • Booking of cargo and the conclusion of the agreements
  • Drawing up, initiating and delivering the required documents (booking lists, shipping permits, delivery orders) related to the cargo
  • Contacting the shippers/forwarders with regard to the deliveries for shipment
  • Fulfilling the necessary formalities regarding the delivery and reception of the goods (customs etc.)
  • Settling cargo claims with insurance companies