Definition
A ship cannot deal with a port herself; the agent does it for her. The port agent files the arrival and departure formalities, books pilots, tugs and berth with the port, liaises with the terminal and cargo interests, and arranges the owner's needs — bunkers, stores, spares, crew changes, medical care. The FONASBA standard agency agreement lists these duties and also has the agent handle claims, P&I matters and the appointment of surveyors.[1]
FONASBA, the federation of national associations of ship brokers and agents, describes members ranging from global marine service providers to small family-run firms, and runs a quality standard for agencies. The agent works on a fee plus disbursements: it sends a proforma disbursement account (PDA) before the call, asks for funds in advance, and settles with a final account after.[2,1]
Who appoints the agent matters. The charterer may nominate one for cargo; the owner may add a protecting or husbandry agent. A ship chandler supplies goods; an agent coordinates the call — many firms do both, but they are separate roles with separate bills.
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Sources
- [1] FONASBA Standard Liner and General Agency Agreement (sample, PDF via BIMCO) — https://bimco.org/media/iazhjorc/sample-copy-fonasba-standard-liner-and-general-agency-agreement.pdf
- [2] FONASBA — Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents — https://www.fonasba.com/
A working definition for buyers, not legal advice — the contract, the convention text and your club or class have the last word.