Who is a Ship Chandler?

In layman’s terms, a ship chandler is a person (or a group/agency) that supplies necessary commodities to a ship when it is docked at a port, similar to a grocer who sends groceries to houses.

The job of a ship chandler is unique because it caters to only one line of business, allowing exclusivity to both parties – the seller and the client.

By approaching a ship chandler directly, a ship’s crew can avoid the middlemen and save money which could be used in other productive areas.

Origin and Importance of Ship Chandelling Services

Ship Chandelling services date back centuries and originated as boats needed goods for long and continuous journeys of several months. In the beginning, a ship chandler offered only essential items like ropes, sailcloths etc. The business expanded in the Middle Ages and became popular as new ships were built and maritime trade increased.

Today, a ship chandler’s role is significant and revered as they not only provide essential commodities but also attend to other requirements such as maintenance tools, food supplies, chemical compounds, cleaning equipment etc.

The government and the shipping corporation provide licenses to eligible chandlers which can then offer their services.

 The following are some important Ship Chandelling Services:

• Ship chandlers supply all necessary commodities (like food, oil, lubricants, spare parts, etc.).
• They cater to all the requirements of the ship and its crew.
• They also help a new buyer by providing exclusive details about the ship’s condition, saving a buyer from loss, if the ship is damaged.
• They also provide services like repair and maintenance, cleaning arrangements, etc.
• Ship chandlers provide services when the ship is anchored at the port and when it is on its voyage. More precautions should be taken for the supply in the latter case.
• During voyages, a ship may require foodstuff for the rest of the journey, fuel or gasoline, spare parts or repair services.

  

Ship Chandlers do not come in contact with the Captain and Crew. A middleman between Chandler and the client helps fix the rates and terms of the contract.

However, the middleman also takes their remuneration so the cost of the commodities or services for which the client pays includes this cost as well.

In the absence of a ship chandler, many people are involved, which translates to additional costs and delays in transit. On the other hand, when a ship’s crew approaches their chandler, he/she offers them the best deals, giving high returns to the client in the form of rebates or discounts.

Approaching the Ship Chandlers

There are many benefits if the ship’s captain and crew directly approach a ship chandler.

• By directly approaching the ship chandlers, a ship captain and crew can get commodities from a single supply source which means more discounts.
• When essential commodities come directly from a chandler, it will save a lot of people from getting involved in this process.
• The direct approach eradicates the problem of unwarranted delays in supply, thus saving a lot of time and effort from being wasted.

In short, a direct approach reduces overall cost, saves time, and reduces the chances of mess and confusion.

Ship Chandelling Industry Scenario

As ship chandlers serve an exclusive purpose, they are an essential part of the shipping industry and are in high demand. Their responsibilities have increased as ships have become more advanced. This field of work now has intense competition which has led to betterment in services and best prices for clients.

Most ship chandlers are flexible regarding payment options; and accept payments in any form of currency.

High competition ensures that a well-learnt and experienced ship chandler gets many clients and a huge remuneration even after providing discounts and rebates.

Requirements of Good Ship Chandlers

To start the business of ship chandelling services, one must obtain clearance from the Government and the Shipping Corporation of that country.

The essential characteristics a good chandler should possess are as follows:

• They should have extensive knowledge about all the necessities.
• Ship Chandlers must supply necessary commodities in time.
• They must be acquainted with long voyage requirements and should facilitate the prior supply of items such as fuel and lubricants, repairing and servicing of the vessel, food items, etc.

Generally, nobody other than ship suppliers or marine contractors can be more familiar with shipping requirements, so they can serve as good ship chandlers. To sum up, ship chandlers are a vital part of the shipping industry and meet the needs of the shipowners, captain and crew.

You might also like to read-

• Who Should Take the Responsibility of the Food Provision Supply On Merchant Ships – the Master or the Company?
• Is there an Urgent Need of a New Rank onboard Ships?
• Nathaniel Bowditch: The Founder of Modern Maritime Navigation
• 10 Famous Yacht Marinas In The World

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