Port Agent

Local representative appointed to handle pre-arrival, in-port, and pre-departure formalities for the vessel.

In practice

Single point of contact for all port-related coordination. Master discusses pre-arrival ETA, cargo plan, crew change, and stores via the agent. Performance varies hugely between major-port hub agents and small-port husbanding agents.

Regulatory detail & full definition

Usually appointed by the operator or charterer. Responsibilities: customs/immigration/health pre-arrival, pilot booking, tug/line-handler arrangements, bunkering, fresh provisions, crew change logistics, port disbursement account. Agents bill via the Disbursement Account (DA), which the shipowner reviews. Major global agency networks: GAC, Inchcape, Wilhelmsen Ships Service.

Pilotage
Bunker

Source: Industry usage; FONASBA standard agency terms

High confidence

Editorial confidence: how we grade.

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Port Agent

In practice

Related

Port Agent

In practice

Related