Port Operations and Agency
Port Agency
The coordination and representation services required to support a vessel before, during and after a port call. During a port call, the concept may affect coordination, timing, cost, documentation or responsibility between the vessel and local parties.
What port agency is
Port agency is a service, not a party. The party providing it is the agent.
It spans the whole call, from appointment before arrival to settlement after departure.
Its scope is set by the appointment, so two agencies at the same port may do very different amounts of work.
Port Agency is a term used in maritime business and operations.
The coordination and representation services required to support a vessel before, during and after a port call.
During a port call, the concept may affect coordination, timing, cost, documentation or responsibility between the vessel and local parties. The exact meaning may vary with the contract, jurisdiction, port practice or workflow in which it is used.
What port agency covers
Area
Commercial
Included services
The proforma and final accounts, management of funds, and negotiation with providers.
Area
Operational
Included services
Pilots, tugs, mooring, stevedores, and coordination of cargo operations.
Area
Regulatory
Included services
Customs, immigration, quarantine and port authority clearances.
Area
Crew and husbandry
Included services
Crew changes, medical attendance, spares, provisions and launches.
Area
Documentation
Included services
Bills of lading, statement of facts, notice of readiness and port papers.
Area
Emergency response
Included services
Casualties, spills, medical evacuations and security incidents.
What agency covers before, during and after
Step 01
Before arrival
Appointment, pre-arrival notifications, berth and service bookings, and the proforma account.
Step 02
During the call
Attendance, coordination of pilots, tugs, terminal and providers, and handling formalities.
Step 03
After departure
Reconciling provider invoices, issuing the final account, and closing outstanding documentation.
FAQ
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