Focused on developing the international maritime industry towards the future, Inchcape Shipping Services is a global leader in port agency and maritime services that is working to connect the ports of the world via its vast network. However, unlike traditional port agency operators, Inchcape is focused on utilising innovative technology to provide data-driven solutions which will enhance the shipping industry on an international scale towards a smarter and more connected ocean.
The origins of Inchcape can be traced back to 1847 when two Scottish merchants came together to form Mackinnon Mackenzie & Company (MMC). This company set the foundations for the Inchcape we know today, which is now one of the largest maritime services providers in the world. This global reputation has been established through its 240 worldwide offices, spanning 60 countries on the globe, and operated by over 31,000 committed and passionate members of staff across the maritime industry.
The primary function of Inchcape is to utilise its expertise across the maritime industry to provide port agency services to ports across the world. These operations span from customs clearance, and cargo movement, as well as services to maritime vessels themselves to facilitate efficient repairs, maintenance, inspections, towage, and logistics services. With such a global reputation, Inchcape utilises its network to leverage global strength in the maritime industry for the benefit and strategic sourcing of operations for the benefit of its customers. To achieve this, Inchcape’s port agency operations procurement department is negotiating with service providers across the globe to achieve the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for its customers.
These solutions span the entire maritime service sector, as Inchcape provides a vast array of tailored solutions designed to meet the unique needs and specific requirements of each customer’s maritime operations. These solutions are made possible through Inchcape’s marine services division, which utilises the expertise of its teams and the knowledge of local suppliers to provide the most effective maritime solutions to its customers. However, to achieve this superior service across the world, Inchcape has a dedicated team working across global solutions which are providing customers with end-to-end solutions that take into consideration the potential risks that come with shipping across the world. Therefore, Inchcape combines its port agency operations, with its global network, on-the-ground expertise, and international compliance regulations, to provide the best possible service for its customers and help each one achieve their business activities to remain ahead of their competition.
The need to be competitive in the global maritime sector is something that Inchcape continues to develop through its implementation of digital technology throughout its operations. This focus on providing digital solutions is what separates Inchcape from its competitors as Inchcape is developing its service for the future of the shipping industry. Inchcape has taken its expertise across the international maritime sector and developed a range of systems which are designed to streamline operations to help the industry make better, faster, and more confident decisions which are backed by data.
The implementation of this type of data has made waves in the international maritime industry, as it allows Inchcape to go beyond just port agency services that many of its competitors offer, and instead develop its technology solutions so that I can better understand the specific requirements, characteristics and essential steps that are needed to make the shipping industry run more smoothly. This data has been and continues to be gathered from ports, berths, and terminals across the world via the Inchcape network, and so provides customers with a better view of port calls and the necessary steps to make shipments easier.
The international sphere of Inchcape’s operations is something that it leverages to develop its port reputation around the world. Therefore, Inchcape remains focused on continuing to expand its network and bring its presence into new markets, whilst also adding more expertise across the international maritime industry to its data-driven solutions. In March, Inchcape announced that it was opening a new office in Busan, South Korea. The opening of the office here marks a strategic milestone for the shipping solution company, as it reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional maritime services in every corner of the globe. The new office will be located close to its customers, which will provide those in the South Korean market with direct access to Inchcape’s services and enhanced solutions.
Inchcape’s Korea Country Manager, SiChang Lee, outlined in the press release that “The Port of Busan, as the largest port in South Korea, presents a wealth of opportunities for Inchcape. With its ranking as the sixth busiest container port globally and its impressive container throughput of 22 million TEUs across 10 container terminals, we are now even better positioned than ever to serve our customers and cater to their diverse needs.” SiChang Lee’s comments highlight the bustling hub that South Korea already is within the global shipping industry, and so with the expansion of Inchcape’s services to the country, it can gain access to this profitable market and deliver efficient, reliable, and data-backed solutions to a new customer base. Along with this expansion, Inchcape hopes it will bring with it new opportunities to expand even further into other areas across South Korea.
Overall, Inchcape is a vast and diverse shipping solution provider that is working across an international network to provide its customers with leading maritime solutions. With digital solutions behind its operations, Inchcape’s competitive edge has allowed it to continue to expand its operations across the globe. However, throughout Inchcape’s operations, the company’s passion for delivering results for its customers is its central priority, and this is what drives its operations every day to deliver a smoother and smarter ocean for the future.
