core sector communique

Inchcape Shipping Services opens new office in Mauritius

Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), the world’s leading maritime services provider, has expanded its operations into Mauritius, with the acquisition of Belship Co Ltd. Renamed ISS Belship, this opening marks ISS’ first venture in the country and is based in the capital, Port-Louis.

Belship Co Ltd was founded in 1996 and ISS Belship will continue to offer established services including marine and offshore agency, logistics and freight forwarding, as well as introducing a wider portfolio of global service offerings. The ISS Belship team in Port Louis is headed by General Manager Arnaud Teycheney, who was a former shareholder of Belship and is loyally supported by his team of experienced staff.

ISS celebrated the opening in Mauritius with a reception at the Le Meridian Resort, Balaclava on 1^st June 2012. Captain Claus Hyldager, Group CEO Inchcape Shipping Services, played host to a number of local dignitaries and customers, including the former owner of Belship Mrs Monique Oshan Bellepeau, Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. M.Allet, Chairman of the MPA and Captain L. Barbeau, Port Master of the MPA.

The acquisition is ISS’ seventh opening during a formidable period of growth for the company this year. Mauritius is viewed as an increasingly strategic location which is well situated on major shipping lanes. Bunkering and transfer of security personnel are both seen as tremendous growth opportunities for the business. All clients will now have the advantage of local expertise and knowledge, combined with ISS’ global network, systems, infrastructure and compliance standards.

Allan Vermaak, Vice President – Special Projects said: “We are very pleased to open ISS Belship in Mauritius not only to further our expansion in the region but to support our clients with our extensive range of integrated maritime, cargo and vessel supply chain solutions, developed to maximise efficiencies within their operations and improve business performance and profitability.”

1. ISS CEO Capt. Claus Hyldager and Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mrs Monique Oshan Bellepeau

2. ISS CEO Capt. Claus Hyldager and ISS Middle East, India and Africa Regional Management Team with colleagues from ISS

Inchcape Shipping Services is the world's leading maritime services provider. With over 280 proprietary offices in 65 countries, and a workforce of over 3,700, the company’s diverse global customer base now includes owners and charterers in the oil, cruise, container and bulk commodity sectors as well as naval, government and inter-governmental organisations.

ISS provides landside commercial and humanitarian logistics, transit, offshore support, informational and other associated maritime services. The company also provides a growing range of outsourcing services including global crew and marine spares logistics; port hub agency management; and sophisticated Enterprise Resource Planning solutions through its subsidiary ShipNet.