Protective Agency

Your eyes and ears in port: the best way to be hands-on from far away

We offer protective agency both for shipowners (OPA) and charterers/cargo owners (CPA) to supervise the counterparty’s agent throughout the port call. As protective agents we ensure that your interests are well taken care of. This helps you avoid any conflict of interest that may arise with many stakeholders involved in a port call.

Fast, reliable, transparent, available 24/7 and compliant. We recently had to involve Wilhelmsen as a protective agent in Port Sudan as we were not able to appoint/pay receiver's agent directly. Wilhelmsen via their Middle East office and local Sudan office, managed to act as a protective agent even though only appointed last minute. They got our vessel in and out of Sudan smoothly without any headaches for us.

Koch Fertilizer Trading, Pieter Staes, Chartering Manager

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE A PROTECTIVE AGENT?

Having a protective agent represent you is most critical under these circumstances:

Unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the nominated agent
Uncharted territories
Complex governmental regime combined with high, non-transparent costs
Local regulations allows only State Agent

Ship owners protective agency

We make your business case our own and constantly look to efficiently improve your business - more cargo deliveries with less time.
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Supervising, along with providing advice to your counterparty's agent during port calls ensures your interests are always taken care of. As your protective agent, we ensure the following services are carried out to protect your ship:
- Scrutinize the PDA to negotiate better rates and suggest better alternatives when relevant.
- Monitor local port rules and restrictions and advise accordingly
- Check and validate SOF
- Be your representative when an incident happens or in cases of disputes

WHY US AS YOUR PROTECTIVE AGENT?

Local knowledge

We are present in 2100 ports and has a global reach. We know the local, state and federal regulations, as well as port information, restrictions, supplier cost levels, etc.
Minimise cost

We scrutinize the DA to ensure you are not overcharged and to keep your operations on schedule e.g. verifying that pilots are on time and that the correct amount tug boats are ordered.
Compliance

We follow strong governance and compliance principles. With a protective agent, you can settle the PDA and funds through us, giving you more control over shipper or receivers agent as we are better positioned to challenge them with local know how.
Statement Of Facts (SOF)

We will check SOF and challenge any questionable items that has not been agreed in order to protect your interest.
24/7 availability

We are at your full disposal 24/7 during loading and discharging operations to assist and intervene with shippers/receivers agent as requested and if applicable.

Local insights into protective agency

Australia

We had a vessel berthing to load iron ore where we were appointed owners protective agents. The shipper decided to berth the vessel 24 hours before they intended to start loading the vessel. During this idle period, the shipper still charges berthage charges (~AU$25,000) for the vessel being alongside. As the owners protective agent, we took up the argument on behalf of the owners and was able to get the additional berthing tariffs credited.
Brazil

Brazil can be a tricky place to operate with complications such as congestions, regulation issues and miscommunication. Towage costs are typically very high in Brazil - however, with our exclusive agreements with towage companies coupled with guaranteed towage availability, you can rest assured you are in good hands. Having us as your OPA further empowers your ship to be legally represented by us towards Brazilian authorities.
Kuwait

At Mina Al Ahmadi, only state agents are allowed to handle tanker port calls. State agents typically do not share with you any of the information related to cargo nomination, berthing prospects, cargo operation and various documentation. As your appointed protective agent, we ensure we acquire this valuable information to share with you. In addition, we strive to claim any outstanding balance that is in your favour, to reimburse it back to you.
China

Local partnerships are a requirement in China to be able to operate as a fully licenced shipping agency. Since 20 years ago, our joint venture partnership with Huayang Maritime Centre makes us the ONLY licensed agency in every port in China. This enables us to accurately cross check all statements of fact (SOF) and provide you the convenience of appointing just one protective agent for all your port calls in China. As a subsidiary of the China Waterborne Transport Research Institute (Ministry of Transport of China), combined with our specialization in crew manning, ship management and dry bulk ship operations - you can rest assured you're in good hands.
Ukraine

In Ukraine, most full agency appointments are subject to receivers or shippers recommendations for their own in-house agencies. Having us as your second pair of eyes to overlook this process helps prevent any conflict of interest - Shipping agents may avoid noting down any negative statements against their shareholders in the SOF. As your protective agent, we provide you with alternative views and additional details of operations e.g. loading issues.

Need advice?

With offices in 75 countries supporting our non-stop operations in 2,100 port locations across the globe, you can be assured that we have the local knowledge and industry expertise to find the best solution to cater for your needs.

Get advice from our local agents