Inchcape Shipping Services

Inchcape Shipping Services’ history of supporting many marine clients in the commercial and defense sectors stretches back over 177 years.

A journey that began in 1847 in Campbeltown, Scotland, with a general merchant partnership has now expanded to become one of the world’s largest and most respected shipping service providers. With more than 247 proprietary and joint venture offices across 60 countries, supported by 3,200 employees and an unparalleled integrated network of accredited service providers, Inchcape offers its clients a truly unique experience on a global scale.

Imagine a world where you don’t have to juggle multiple contacts, navigate varying regulations, and manage the nuances of local markets on your own. Inchcape brings this world to life. From this central hub in Dubai, contracts, invoicing and operational tasks are efficiently allocated to regional specialists. They guarantee the flawless execution of services, irrespective of the location’s challenges—ranging from the remote expanses of Antarctica to the rigorous landscapes of Africa.

This cohesive service approach plays a key role in operations critical to national security, international peacekeeping and global humanitarian efforts. As such, it stands as an indispensable ally to the Armed Forces and NGOs due to the sensitive nature of their operations, which necessitates steadfast compliance with stringent standards.

“With almost two centuries of existence, we not only recognize the importance of compliance as a cornerstone of reliability and commitment but integrate it as one of our values,” says Nicolas Wauters, VP of government services at Inchcape Shipping Services.

By doing so, it guarantees the provision of high-quality, trustworthy services to government entities, protecting the reputation and interests of its clients with unparalleled dedication.

In a bid to make its services more streamlined, Inchcape Shipping Services categorizes its clientele into specialized segments—government services, tankers, liners, offshore, dry bulk, ship managers and cruise—paying attention to the distinct needs of each category through dedicated teams of domain experts. Meanwhile, emphasizing collaboration and knowledge-sharing across all divisions harnesses the collective strength of the teams to deliver the best possible solution for clients.

The interconnectedness is evident in three main areas of operation—maritime services, supply chain logistics and operational support services. In the realm of maritime services, Inchcape has a wide-ranging service suite, from husbandry to stevedoring. These services cater to a diverse fleet, including warships, humanitarian vessels and commercial ships. Leveraging innovative digital cloud-based solutions to offer these services provides clients with critical data to facilitate informed decisions regarding port selection and logistics management.

Supply chain logistics represent another foundational pillar, encompassing warehousing, distribution and multimodal transportation—air, sea and rail. This sector is crucial for the efficient transportation of a variety of goods, from food supplies to military equipment, which are essential for global missions and operations.

Inchcape also extends its expertise to base operations and support services, acting as a pivotal support mechanism that fills any operational voids for its clients. It offers end-to-end support for the design, construction and management of base operations, including military and humanitarian camps. Services cover a wide spectrum, including power supply, catering, shelter, WiFi and maintenance, all aimed at ensuring the well-being and morale of on-site personnel. These services are characterized by their flexibility, scalability and ability to be deployed.

Its adeptness can best be illustrated by a recent case whereby the Inchcape Government Services Team responded to an urgent and complex logistical need to design, quote, and deploy a fully functional camp in Cyprus for 200 personnel within 48h00. Leveraging its extensive expertise and network, the company swiftly coordinated the setup of containers, tents, generators, force protection, portable toilets & showers, and catering facilities. The camp was FOC within 48h00 and services were expanded to provide ground handling to two C-130 transport planes and 1 navy ship.

These instances prove how Inchcape is a living example of the enduring power of adaptability, responsiveness, and innovation. As the company stands on the brink of exploring new frontiers, it is well-positioned to extend its legacy of success well into the future, building on a foundation that promises another 177 years of excellence and achievement.