Maritime Transportation And Shipping Talk

To keep these big cargo ships going around the clock all year a solid back-up organization is needed. The owners or managers need a chain of suppliers lined up for the various requirements from the ship staff. A ship will need provisions for their crew, spare parts for their machinery and other operation consumables. At all times these things ahs to be pre-arranged prior to port arrival and also well in advance so when needed parts are readily available onboard. This has to be well planned so that the ship will not be laying idle due to missing parts. In shipping more than any other industry time is Big Money. You will understand why when you see some of the transport contracts (charter party) that are signed for various cargoes. It can be a substantial amount of money involved and many times there is penalties for delay of cargo. It all depends on the various elements in the contract.

The process of ordering, “Spares” and “Stores” is generally the responsibility of department heads onboard the ship. The Chief Engineer looks after the engine room department, the Steward looks after the accommodation and food and the Chief/First mate together with the Captain looks after deck department and all related to the cargo operations and navigation. After orders has been sent from the ship to the owners or managers office they are in turn processed and sent out to the various suppliers fro price bids or quotations. As most ships are equipped with e-mail it all becomes a simple task really to have this kind of communication. Being a supplier and receiving these kinds of request entails that you have to have some experience within your field. Knowing what the ship is asking for is of the highest priority. Making sure that there is no misunderstanding and if need be communicate with the ship or owners/managers in order to sort it all out. Wrong supply can be a very expensive affair. Not only for supplier but also for ship if it delays the operation.