In today’s interconnected world, global shipping trade is the lifeblood of economies, connecting businesses and consumers across continents. Shipping and port Agencies are central to the orchestration of international logistics, managing the intricate web of regulations, documentation, and coordination necessary for global trade. They serve as the vital link between ship owners, freight companies, customs authorities, and importers/exporters, offering a spectrum of services essential for seamless trade.

Some of the main activities offered by the local Port and shipping Agents at the respective ports are listed below:

Pre-Arrival Documentation and Compliance

Ensuring all shipping documents are accurately prepared and comply with international regulations as well as each port’s Port and customs Authorities. This includes vessel Certificates, bills of lading, cargo manifests, customs declarations, and certificates of origin.

Port Services

Managing all aspects of port operations, including coordinating vessel arrivals and departures, safe towing and rigging of the vessel, Port Pilots booking and transportation, as well as liaising with Port and customs authorities.

Customs Clearance

Facilitating the customs clearance process, ensuring goods are cleared through customs efficiently and in compliance with all regulations.

Cargo Handling

Supervising the physical movement of cargo, including loading and unloading, while ensuring safety and minimizing risks of damage or loss.

Supply Chain Management

Offering services that go beyond transportation, such as warehousing, distribution, and inventory management, to optimize the client’s supply chain.

Crisis Management and Problem Solving

Handling unexpected issues like shipment delays, cargo damage, or documentation errors and finding quick and effective solutions.

Client Advising and Consultation

Providing expert advice on shipping routes, logistics planning, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance.

Advising a new exporter on the most cost-effective and efficient shipping routes and practices for transporting goods from Greece to South America, considering factors like transit times, costs, and customs procedures.

Now, we at Karval Shipping Agency believe that “all fingers are not the same” and the values that each Port & Husbandry Agent deeply embraces can have a tremendous impact on the vessel’s and the global trade’s side respectively.

Local Experts: After almost 40 years of existence in the Greek Ports, we have in-depth knowledge of each Greek-specific port, its procedures, and local conditions. This expertise helps ship owners navigate the complexities of each port effectively.

Repair Projects Experts: Our sister company, CARELL, has been one of the leaders in the Ship Repair sector in the East Mediterranean for almost ¾ of a century, we are the only Husbandry Agency in Greece with an orientation in Ship Repair and dry-docking projects.  Our efficient communication and fast handling of all repair inquiries on board are of vital importance.

24/7 Availability: We can offer round-the-clock support to handle unexpected issues that may arise during a port call repair project while ensuring that shipowners have assistance whenever needed.

Cost Optimization: By leveraging our local knowledge, our warehouse area, our mobile cranes and forklifts as well as our industry contacts we can identify cost-saving opportunities, negotiate better terms with service providers, and avoid unnecessary expenses to the benefit of the shipowners.

In conclusion, Port and husbandry Agents act as vital partners for all stakeholders during a vessel’s call at any given port and they can provide essential services to ensure efficient and hassle-free port calls, minimize risks, and optimize costs to the benefit of global trade.

Professional approach, safety at all levels, and compliance with Port and customs Authorities should never be compromised.