scheepsagent

Scheepsagent, in English commonly ship’s agent or shipping agent, is the person or firm that represents a ship’s owner, operator, or charterer in a port. The scheepsagent’s core function is to facilitate a vessel’s port call and to ensure compliance with local regulations while coordinating operations between the ship and port services.

Typical duties include handling pre-arrival information and berthing arrangements, coordinating pilotage and towage if required, and organizing onboard services such as stevedoring, crane work, bunkering, provisioning, and waste disposal. The agent also arranges repairs and supplies, oversees documentation related to cargo and crew, and assists with crew changes, including immigration and customs formalities.

Financial management is a key element of the role. The scheepsagent prepares and presents disbursement accounts, collects port dues and charges, and arranges payments to service providers on behalf of the ship’s owner or operator. They act as the principal point of contact for the ship’s master and the owner’s operations department, relaying information about schedules, cargo, and regulatory requirements.

The agent’s work is conducted in close liaison with port authorities, customs, immigration, terminal operators, and shipping lines. They must operate under national port and maritime regulations and, in many ports, hold licensing or accreditation. Although the exact scope of responsibilities varies by port, the scheepsagent is generally expected to ensure a smooth, compliant, and cost-efficient port call. The term is widely used in Dutch-speaking contexts; in English, the equivalent is ship’s agent or port agent.