How Inchcape Shipping Services’ team of experts solve shipping’s invisible challenges every day 

From its inception through to the present day, Inchcape Shipping Services (Inchcape) has been leading the way in shipping services, adapting with a vanguard spirit to industry changes. Its origins trace back to 1847 when two Scottish merchants from Campbeltown, Scotland, formed a partnership under the name Mackinnon Mackenzie & Company. Today, Inchcape stands as one of the largest providers of maritime services, boasting approximately 260 offices across 60 countries and a team of over 3200 professionals. John Willemsen, Vice President for Latin America, sheds light on the array of services at the core of the organization. 

“Throughout our history, we have evolved significantly to reach our current scope of services. Instead of owning ships, or engaging in the buying and selling of

cargo, our business model is centered around representing charterers, owners, and ship managers from various sectors, safeguarding their interests while their vessels are in work. Even some of the largest companies in the world do not have offices in every port their vessels visit. Therefore, we serve as their agents, ensuring their vessels are supported with anything they may need, from berth assignment and pilot or tug assistance to supplies and supporting cargo operations. We also look after the crew by providing airport pickups, and arranging transportation and accommodation, for example. To us, caring for the crew and their wellbeing while they are in our hands before they embark on their vessel is paramount. 

“Additionally, we offer a range of survey and inspection services for vessels and cargo alike. We assist with marine supply chain services, facilitating the procurement of technical items or consumables needed by the ship by sourcing or arranging delivery onboard the vessel. With our presence in every port, we are well equipped to handle this process. Often the main challenge that shipping companies encounter and we resolve lies in the last-mile delivery where items are transferred to the vessel. Furthermore, our digital solution, World of Ports, grants customers access to all types of port data worldwide, alongside other complementary features. Primarily focused on marine assurance, this platform aids companies in assessing port compatibility for their cargo and ship in specific countries. What allows us to truly differentiate ourselves and add value is that our data is agent-verified, consolidating information from diverse sources into a single, reliable repository verified by our team members,” John elaborates. 

With a physical presence in over 2200 ports worldwide, combined with local specialist expertise in all commodity sectors, Inchcape delivers exceptional levels of service wherever clients are in the world. Its diverse global customer base includes owners and charterers in the oil and gas, cruise, offshore, container and bulk commodity sectors, as well as ship operators, naval, government and intergovernmental organizations. 

“We’ve worked with some of the largest shipping companies in the world for many years, including oil and gas majors,” John adds, “as well as some of the smaller niche companies. We have a highly experienced team of people for every sector, so we’re well able to meet all requirements. With responsive, local expertise in every region, we leverage our decades of experience to help navigate offshore processes regardless of the project’s scope. 

“Offshore is one of our fastest growing markets. We have a high level of activity in Central America as well as South America. In central America, we’ve expanded operations in Guyana by partnering with Symmetry Group and we fully comply with Guyana’s Local Content requirements. We have also expanded operations in Trinidad and Tobago with the opening of our own bonded warehouse and are currently looking at building a presence in Suriname. These expansions will bolster the growing offshore market and extend our capabilities to serve our customers, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to supporting global trade and local economies. We take pride in our robust network, which enables us to foster connection and communication across borders, propelling the industry forward with innovation and a deep-rooted understanding of local markets. 

“While historically complex and not necessarily straightforward locations in which to operate, these countries are key players in the region’s oil and gas industry, and Inchcape’s local expertise and global network allow for efficient port calls. The focus for us is supporting the international companies leading the investigation and development of those assets.” 

To strengthen its reliability and quality of operations, Inchcape is dedicated to upholding high safety and corporate compliance standards. “Besides corporate governance and compliance, one aspect that doesn’t get the credit it always deserves is our systematic and comprehensive approach to Quality, Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (QHSSE) in all operations. For us, QHSSE is not just a set of manuals, it is an approach and attitude that we prioritize and strive to embed within the company to complement our robust compliance culture. Shipping is a risky business and incidents do happen, so our job is to give our clients peace of mind that their ships or assets are in good hands while being serviced at the port, and that we and our vendors comply with the required QHSSE standards,” John explains. 

Understanding the extent of the environmental impact of the logistics and marine sectors, Inchcape has taken meaningful steps to reduce its own carbon emissions as well as those of its clients. “Decarbonization has been a significant focus for us for nearly a decade. Our customers’ targets encompass various aspects related to their vessels, such as hull design and improvements like scrubbers. Equally, many of their targets concern shipping operations that impact carbon emissions and how to optimize efficiency. Our role involves assisting clients in achieving the best possible turnaround times at ports and ensuring seamless operations by expediting their stay at the port. As a result, we not only empower them to reduce their fuel consumption but also improve their overall voyage performance. Our work begins even before the ship reaches port, as we are appointed by our clients to ensure a smooth process that involves substantial preparatory work. Beyond that, we are committed to optimizing the ships’ activities both within and outside the port or anchorage to help clients stay compliant. We strive to provide all clients, regardless of size, with dedicated attention and support, as each one is equally valuable to us. 

“When it comes to sustainability, we are asset-light, so our team members are our most valuable asset. While there are always opportunities for us to become even more sustainable, one of the most important areas of focus for us is supporting our customers in achieving their own sustainability targets. For example, we encourage our customers to consider factors like the necessity of using multiple tugs versus just one, which could minimize their carbon emissions further. Likewise, we invite them to work with vendors who uphold their sustainability goals and operate their businesses in an environmentally responsible way. Although emission tracking is still in its early stages, we have started recording carbon emissions for some of our clients while they are in port, using the resulting data to identify areas for emissions reduction,” John concludes. 

Inchcape’s commitment to safety, quality, compliance and sustainability has cemented its position as a trailblazer in the maritime industry, and its growing offshore experience looks set to open new avenues of business in the future.  

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