Ships Agency
Setting The Standard
Best-in-class vessel handling.
From bulk carriers in Richards Bay to LNG operations in Mozambique.
LBH Africa manages the entire port ecosystem for your vessel. With a global premier ships agent status, we combine forty years of local relationships throughout Africa with the compliance standards of a global logistics network.
Whether you require advice on berthing priority in Richards Bay or crew change in Pemba, our teams are physically present to ensure rapid turnaround and transparent financial management.
When LBH says “we are your agent,” what we are really saying is “When we are your agent, your interests are indistinguishable from our own.” That is the standard. Everything else is just excellence of operations.
Full Port Agency
We act as the primary liaison between the vessel, the cargo interests, and the port authority.
Full Port Agency
Handling all arrival and departure formalities with port and customs authorities.
Berth and Operations optimisation
Handling all arrival and departure formalities with port and customs authorities.
Disbursements
Providing accurate Pro-Forma Disbursement Accounts (PDAs) and transparent Final Disbursement Accounts (FDAs) with no hidden costs.
Protective Agency (OPA & CPA)
When your interests conflict with the counterparty, you need your own representation. We act as:
Owners Protecting Agent (OPA)
Supervising the charterer’s agent to protect the shipowner’s specific interests during the port call.
Charterers Protecting Agent (CPA)
Monitoring cargo operations to ensure compliance with charter party terms and prevent demurrage disputes.
Husbandry & Crew Logistics
Efficient vessels require supported crews. We provide dedicated vessel husbandry services.
Crew Changes
Specialized coordination of crew-change services, including Meet & Greet, visas, and airport transfers.
Bunkering
Acting as a specialized bunker call agency to coordinate fuel and lubricant supplies.
Spares & Provisions
Managing all provisions, including fresh water delivery as well as “Ship Spares in Transit” clearance and delivery directly to the gangway.
Niche & Offshore Services
Off Port Limits (OPL)
We coordinate off port limit services, servicing passing vessels via launch or helicopter without them entering the harbour (port permitting).
LNG & Energy
Specialized LNG Ships Agency in Northern Mozambique and support for offshore energy projects and related.
Why Owners & Charterers Appoint LBH
Market Intelligence
We don’t just report the weather; we report the regulatory climate. Our clients receive proactive advice on port congestion and strike alerts before the vessel arrives.
Financial Security
Backed by Rhenus and LBH Group, we offer financial stability and strict anti-bribery compliance—critical for vessels operating in complex regions.
Risk Prevention
We offer more than just agency; we provide cargo agency services. Our on-the-ground teams monitor loading to ensure tally accuracy and prevent contamination claims before they happen.
Our Port Network
South Africa:
Durban, Richards Bay, East London, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Ngqura, Cape Town, Saldanha Bay.
Mozambique:
Maputo, Beira, Moma, Nacala, Pemba.
East Africa:
Mombasa (Kenya).
West Africa:
Walvis Bay & Luderitz (Namibia), Conakry, Kamsar & Morebaya (Guinea).
FAQs
Do you handle OPA appointments?
Yes. We frequently act as Owners Protecting Agent (OPA) to supervise funds and operations when the charterer has nominated their own agent.
Can you arrange off-port transfers?
Yes. We manage off-port limit services for crew transfers, spares, and stores (port permitting).
Are you available for emergency husbandry?
Our teams are on standby 24/7 for emergency maritime support and medical evacuations.
