Lloyds List DCN, Thursday 29 March 07
SEACORP has scored a major Australian shipping services coup with a contract to handle the ocean-transport needs of iron-ore miner Murchison Metals Ltd in Western Australia.
The Fremantle independent shipbroking, ship agency and marine service provider’s three-year contract will cover all ship agency, marine surveys and international trade documentation for Murchison, while also assisting with charter party requirements.
SEA Corp managing director Craig Thompson said Murchison was one of a growing number of mining companies requiring independent specialist shipping expertise.
“A lot of new miners start the exporting process and are then confronted with the complex area of overseas shipping,” Mr Thompson said.
“Unlike the majors, the emerging exporters don’t have specialised people on board to take care of shipping needs.
“Outsourcing allows them to concentrate on their core business.”
Murchison managing director Trevor Mathews said that SEA Corp’s attraction was in delivering a full package of shipping logistics services and handling procedures.
- Live System -
“Murchison Metals believes that by outsourcing our shipping logistics to Seacorp, our export operations will be far more efficient and cost effective,” Mr Mathews said.
“We are therefore pleased to appoint SEA Corp and look forward to working with Craig and his team.”
Meanwhile, Mr Thompson said his company had developed its own internet based documentary system, known as Seaweb, a live system for transferring production of commercial shipping documents from the client to SEA Corp.
This internationally compliant system checked and cross-checked all commercial documents to ensure clients received prompt payment for shipment of goods.
“Many people are unaware that a simple spelling mistake can result in non-compliance in a letter of credit and thereby hold up payment,” Mr Thompson said. “Spelling mistakes are often used as a tactical measure to delay payment.”
Mr Thompson said Seacorp had also prepared a load berth handbook on behalf of Murchison.
The handbook, which was provided to every ship’s master before their port visit, assisted in expediting vessel operations at the Geraldton Port.
Mr Thompson said while many mining companies shipped on a free on board (FOB) basis – where the importer paid for freight arrangements – it remained important for Australian exporters to ensure their cargo was carried by reputable ship owners.
This article has been reprinted with the permission of Llyods List DCN Newspaper.
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