Ship chandler
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A ship chandler is a retail dealer in special supplies or equipment for ships. May also be responsible for the berthing and docking of the vessel before it arrives into port. Usually considered the liaison officer for the vessel's needs and demands in a foreign port. For sailing ships this included sails, lines, tar and similar.
Today they are dealing more in commercial ships, such as oil tankers, container ships, bulk carriers. They supply the crew's food, ships maintenance supplies, Cleaning comnpounds, paint rope, etc.
Their specialty is the extreme service available 24/7 and the short time required to fill and deliver their special orders. Because commercial ships discharge and turn around so quickly today, the services of a dependable ship chandler is urgent. Holding up a ship could cost 100's of thousands of dollars.
Interestingly enough, because of the volume usually required one could hardly call it retail. Their prices are extremely competitive. It is retail because the products are going to the end user.
Most major ports have ship chandlers that have been in business for many years and understand and furnish these urgent needs.
