Havenkantoor

Havenkantoor is a Dutch term referring to the office responsible for administrative and operational tasks related to ships calling at a seaport. The word combines haven (harbor) and kantoor (office). In many ports the havenkantoor is a unit within the port authority or harbor master’s organization, but in some contexts ship agents and stevedoring firms run their own offices that act as the port’s point of contact.

Functions include coordinating vessel arrivals and departures, assigning berths and pilot/tug services, handling formalities such as port clearance, customs declarations, and immigration where applicable, and arranging cargo operations, documentation, and billing. The havenkantoor also disseminates port regulations, safety rules, and notices to mariners, and it is typically the first point of contact for masters and shipping agents upon approaching or entering the port.

In practice, the havenkantoor interfaces with other port entities, such as the harbour master, customs, immigration, the pilot station, cargo handlers, and the ship's agent. It may issue permits, manage traffic and berth planning, coordinate inspections, and oversee compliance with ISPS security measures and environmental regulations.

Legal and organizational context varies by country and port. In the Netherlands, the term is commonly used to describe the port authority office responsible for harbor operations, whereas in private-operated ports the function may be performed by the port’s service providers under contract. The havenkantoor thus acts as the administrative hub for port calls and related services.