Boats

Ship suppliers are one of the oldest professions and exist in all ports of the world to meet the maritime needs of visiting ships and to keep port shipping movements smooth. The term chandler originally referred to suppliers of wooden sailboat ropes from the 16th century onwards and survives today under the Chandler surname, common in English-speaking ports.

At present, ship suppliers play the role of wholesale suppliers for ships visiting the port. His unique knowledge of local markets and the ability to supply in no time anything a visiting ship may require, coupled with the ability to trade in any currency, provides a valuable service to boat owners and captains and keeps ships oiled. local port shipping movements. while helping the local economy grow.

The type of ships that are supplied by ship suppliers largely depends on the geographic location of the port and the trade routes that the port serves. They could be asked to provide supplies for virtually all types of vessels that pass through their port, including local coastal dredgers and roller coasters, cruise and passenger ships, oil tankers, container and cargo ships, ferries and boats. visiting naval military vessels. A local Navy will generally have its own logistics and quartermaster supply chains.

The modern supplier may also be asked to supply goods and equipment for other maritime activities, such as oil rigs, wave centers, and offshore wind farms.

The type of goods, supplies, equipment and mechanical or electrical parts that a supplier is asked to supply, again depends on the location of the port and the type of visiting ship. However, all ship suppliers are required to provide crew and passenger food and fuel.

Generally, the types of products that visiting ships require are fresh supplies including meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, water, bread, dairy products, and dry warehouses. Often times, a merchant will be asked to provide specialty products for various ethnic requirements, such as kosher or halal meat.

Most visiting ships will require customs products such as tobacco and alcohol, which are kept in warehouses outside the customs area, offering duty-free prices to the ship. Many ship suppliers operate customs warehouses themselves to ensure a continuous supply of these items that are always in demand.

All boats are in need of maintenance and a boat supplier should be able to supply many parts on a regular basis, including ropes and cables, paint brushes and equipment, mats and mats, hand and power tools, cutting tools, screws and fasteners, valves, packaging . and fittings, rigging equipment, health and safety equipment, medical supplies, measuring tools, pipes and tubes, bearings, welding equipment, protective clothing, gloves, cleaning rags, hoses and couplings, hydraulic parts, coatings and steel and pipes, to name but a few.

Most vendors are also required to provide navigational equipment, such as Admiralty charts for local waters and flags, as well as GPS, radio, and various marine electronic devices.

The job of a boat supplier requires excellent communication skills along with an experience in negotiation. Traders must be able to receive large orders clearly, often from visiting ships who do not speak the same language. They have to negotiate prices with both the supply chain and the purser of the ships. Frequently visiting ships or shipping agents for the ship will often demand a discount for their continued loyalty.

Competition can be fierce “in the waterfront” and a ship supplier must constantly be on standby to fulfill late orders from visiting ships. This may involve sourcing goods and supplies from across the country in a short period of time and arranging delivery to the waiting ship. Any delay at the port due to supplies not arriving in time for shipping could cost the shipping line additional fees and the supplier loss of future business.

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