Agency Business

When a vessel approaches a port, everything that happens next is coordinated by the ship's agent. We are your legal representative, your local knowledge, your operational hands on the ground. The ship agent is appointed by the Principal — the shipowner, operator, or charterer — and is legally mandated to act in the Principal's best commercial and legal interests at that port. At Unified Maritime Services, this is our core business. We handle every port call from pre-arrival notification to final port disbursement account (PDA/FDA).

Pre-Arrival Planning

Agency business begins well before the vessel reaches port limits. As soon as a vessel is nominated, we begin preparing: filing advance notifications with the port authority, submitting crew lists and cargo manifests to customs and immigration, pre-booking berth windows based on port congestion and tidal restrictions, and coordinating pilotage and tug requirements. A berth that is not pre-arranged in a congested port like Dammam or Sharjah can cost the vessel owner thousands of dollars in demurrage. We eliminate that risk through early, proactive coordination.

Port Clearance & Documentation

Customs and immigration clearance is one of the most documentation-intensive parts of a port call. We prepare and submit all required documents: the General Declaration, Cargo Declaration, Crew List, Ship's Stores Declaration, and Health Declaration. We interface directly with customs officers, immigration officials, quarantine authorities, and the port authority on your behalf — ensuring no vessel is held at anchorage due to missing or incorrect paperwork. For vessels trading in Saudi Arabian ports, we manage the additional requirements under Saudi Customs Authority regulations and the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) compliance framework.

Berthing & Port Navigation Arrangements

Securing the right berth at the right time is a function of relationship, timing, and knowledge of the port's operational rhythms. We coordinate with the port authority to secure berth allocation, arrange compulsory pilotage for vessels entering restricted channels, and organise towage when required. For bulk terminals, this also involves coordinating with the terminal operator on crane availability, draft restrictions, and cargo readiness. Every hour a vessel spends waiting costs money — our job is to make the port call as short and efficient as possible.

Cargo Operations Supervision

We supervise loading and discharge operations on behalf of the Principal, appointing independent tally clerks where required, monitoring stevedore gangs for safe working practices, and tracking cargo out-turns against the bill of lading quantities. Where shortages or contamination are suspected, we initiate the protest process, issue Letters of Protest (LOP) to the relevant parties, and preserve the Principal's rights for subsequent claims. Our team understands the commercial consequences of cargo claims and takes preventive action from the start of operations.

Crew Changes & Welfare

International crew changes are one of the most logistically complex parts of husbandry agency. We manage the full crew change cycle: visa applications and immigration clearance for signing-on crew, transport from the port to the nearest international airport, hotel accommodation for crew in transit, medical assistance where required, and all STCW compliance documentation. For signing-off crew, we arrange airport transfers, cash advances where authorised, and forward their personal effects. We work across UAE, Saudi, and Indian immigration systems and understand the specific requirements for each nationality and flag state.

Port Disbursement Accounts

Every port call generates a Disbursement Account — a detailed statement of all costs incurred on behalf of the Principal: port dues, pilotage, towage, berth hire, stevedoring costs, cleaning, fresh water, and agency fees. We prepare transparent, itemised PDAs and FDAs with supporting invoices, ensuring the Principal has complete visibility over every line item. Our accounts are prepared to the standards required by major P&I clubs and are accepted without dispute by all leading shipowners and operators we serve.