chandlery

Chandlery is the business of supplying ships with equipment, stores, and related services. The term can refer to either the shop that sells maritime supplies or to the stock kept by the supplier. Chandlers provide a range of goods used on vessels, including deck fittings and rigging, ropes and lines, anchors and chains, fenders, lamps and navigation lights, paints and varnishes, cleaning materials, galley equipment, and spare parts for engines and systems. Many chandlers also offer repairs, advice, and delivery to vessels in port or at anchor.

Originating from the word chandler, meaning a trader who sold candles, the term evolved as chandlers broadened their inventory to supply ships with a full range of provisions and hardware. In major ports, chandlery shops became a recognized part of the maritime supply chain, evolving into wholesale and retail businesses that serve commercial and recreational fleets alike.

Today, chandlery shops may operate as standalone stores, warehouse distributors, or online catalogs, and may serve shipyards, ferries, fishing boats, yachts, and offshore vessels. They play a crucial role in maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency by ensuring timely access to parts, tools, and consumables.