A shipping agency or shipping agent is the designated person or agency held responsible for handling shipments and cargo, and the general interests of its customers, at ports and harbors worldwide, on behalf of ship owners, managers, andcharterers
Seawhale Resources operates as ship agents to represent the interests of ship owners and charterers while the ship is in port by providing assistance or advice as and when required. Our shipping and Port agency department handles Ship brokerage activity on behalf of our clients, that is we act as an intermediary between the shipowner/charterer or the buyers and sellers of ships.
We are involved in every stages of a deal: presenting the business to potential clients, negotiating the main terms of a contract or sale, finalizing the details of the contract and following the deal through to its conclusion. We provide our clients with a wide range of market intelligence and advice.
As ship and port agents, we are the party representing the ship’s owner and/or charterer (the Principal) in ports around west Africa and environs. If so instructed by the client, We are responsible to the Principal for arranging, together with the port, a berth, all relevant port and husbandry services, tending to the requirements of the Master and crew, clearing the ship with the port and other authorities (including preparation and submission of appropriate documentation) along with releasing or receiving cargo on behalf of the Principal.
Our Agency Services Includes:
- Booking the vessel in and out of the port, and arranging the pilot and tug boat services
- Providing information on the crew and any passengers to the local immigration authorities
- Ensuring the ship’s documentation complies with international regulations prior to Customs inspection
- Preparing quarantine pre-arrival report (QPAR) which provides details on the crew, the ship’s previous route and any deaths or illnesses which may have occurred during the voyage
- Advising Customs of the ship’s arrival and reporting the cargo on board
- Logistics involved with provisions and fuel
- Providing the stevedore’s ship planner with the manifest which gives detailed information on the cargo to be handled
- Liaising with stevedores and terminal operators regarding the safe handling of containers, break-bulk and bulk liquids, and ensuring that the ship’s master is aware of shore requirements
- Organising crew changes, any associated immigration documentation and arrangements such as booking flights
- Paying the crew
- Handling ship services including repairs and maintenance
