The maritime industry is responsible for a large proportion of world trade. Life as we know it wouldn’t be possible without cargo ships. That’s why the maritime sector is supported by thousands of companies that specialize in ship supplies, maintenance, regulations, and other niche markets. From specific cruise ship supplies to fuel and provisions used by all vessels, the maritime industry partners with distributors in a variety of industries. In this post, we’ll share more about ship supplies, what companies specialize in their distribution, and how different types of vessels find the right wholesalers. If you’re interested in this topic, check out our post on cruise ship distributors.
Key takeaway: Ship supplies include provisions, fuel, and equipment used by vessels while at sea. They are primarily delivered by ship chandlers, but some sectors of the maritime industry like cruise ships also use the services of dozens of other suppliers.
What Are Ship Supplies
These are goods used by vessels to operate while docked or en route. Water and food provisions are an example of a major ship supplies category. However, equipment, tools, and medicine are also used by ships and that’s why vessels stock these products. Most companies that offer ship supplies focus on wholesale sales to commercial freights, cargo ships, or passenger vessels. However, owners of small yachts or boats also buy such products. That’s why online stores also offer their products to retail clients.
Main Categories of Ship Supplies
The supplies stocked can vary a lot depending on the type of vessel. For example, a luxurious cruise ship might stock expensive types of caviar. Let’s examine the main types of ship supplies needed by the majority of vessels.
- Provisions. Modern ships have desalination systems that can turn seawater into drinkable water. However, older vessels need to stock large quantities of water. Other provisions include food with a long shelf life such as different types of grains or wholesale frozen vegetables.
- Tools. Wrenches, drills, coating, and degreasers are just a few examples of tools used for ship maintenance and repairs.
- Fuel. Ships use diesel, LNG (liquified natural gas), or heavy fuel oil. Bunkering services include the logistics, loading, and distribution of fuel among the ship tanks. Modern ships also need other types of energy supplies such as batteries and generators.
- Spare parts and other equipment. From engine components to electrical equipment, all ships stock different spare parts for upcoming repairs and maintenance. Chemicals and lubricants like oil or greases also fall under this category.
- Sanitation supplies. That includes wholesale janitorial supplies like cleaning agents and mops. Crew members also need sanitary products like toilet paper or shaving tools.
- Medical supplies. Ships also have various types of medicine and medical tools on board. This includes bandages, antiseptics, defibrillators, and other medical equipment and medicine.
- Crew supplies. Uniforms, gloves, linens, and toiletries are just some of the crew supplies stocked by ships. Passenger ships also stock a variety of additional supplies used by their crew members to provide a quality hospitality service.
Types of Suppliers Used by the Marine Industry
Virtually all vessels use ship chandlers. These are businesses that specialize in ship supplies. In addition to organizing deliveries of provisions, fuel, and equipment for vessels, these companies also provide additional services. They can include assistance with documentation and local regulations, emergency deliveries, and technical support. Ship chandlers act as middlemen between vessels and manufacturers of goods. They are essentially the one-stop shop for all ship supplies.
In addition to ship chandlers, vessels might also use other suppliers. For example, many broadline distribution companies offer their services to passenger vessels or other ships. The wide range of products offered by these wholesalers means they can also help ship operators with deliveries of various items.
Waste management is also important in the maritime industry. Vessels often partner with suppliers of waste management products and services. These include hazardous material disposal, bilge water treatment, and discharge of other waste.
Ships also use other types of distributors. For example, passenger vessels partner with wholesalers of housekeeping equipment and suppliers that can offer customization services. They also need high-end cruise beverages such as wine and whiskey. Check our post on cruise ship beverage inventory.
How to Find Distributors of Ship Supplies
There are several factors that ship operators consider when they search for ship chandlers or other distributors of ship supplies. Efficiency and logistics are among the most important considerations. Ships can stay docked for only a limited time. Thus, they prefer to partner with suppliers that can quickly and efficiently stock the vessel with all necessary ship supplies. Wholesale prices are also a factor in choosing distributors. As ships stock large quantities of provisions, fuel, and other supplies, they expect to buy them at discounted rates.
Most vessel operators search for distributors of ship supplies online. There are several specialized platforms and directories that connect ship chandlers with buyers. Most companies that deal with ship supplies also have warehousing facilities near ports. This helps them find new customers and market their services to ships that don’t visit this port frequently and might not have a reliable supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ship Supplies
The maritime industry is likely to grow as sectors like international trade and travel continue their growth as well. On our website, you’ll find valuable resources regarding these fields and other markets. Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions regarding ship supplies.
What Suppliers Do Cruise Ships Use?
Passenger ships are different from cargo or offshore vessels because they also provide a hospitality experience to their customers. Thus, they partner with a wide variety of distributors in different sectors. For example, a cruise ship might rely on ship chandlers for deliveries of spare parts or maritime equipment. However, they also work with broadline distributors that have very good product sourcing capabilities. Luxurious passenger vessels stock high-end cruise drinks like expensive cruise ship wines, champagne, or whiskey. Furthermore, cruise ships also partner with suppliers of specialty food and ingredients from different regions of the world. They also need wholesale linen and paper goods distributors that can supply a wide range of housekeeping supplies.
Can Ships Get Supplies While en Route?
Yes, it’s possible for vessels to get supplies without requiring them to dock. However, that is a complex and highly coordinated process. That’s why it’s only used in rare circumstances like emergency deliveries of different types of medical supplies or for urgent repairs that require specific spare parts and equipment. Replenishment at sea or helicopter deliveries of supplies are far more expensive too. They are more commonly used by military vessels and rarely for commercial ones. Some ship chandlery companies and distributors that specialize in ship supplies offer emergency deliveries to ships en route.
Do Ship Suppliers Sell Retail?
Yes, a lot of companies that offer ship supplies also sell products to retail customers. Some businesses operate brick-and-mortar stores where individuals can buy various goods. Retail customers might need ship supplies if they have a small yacht or a fishing boat. Commonly, these stores are located near ports. Nowadays, reputable distributors of ship supplies also have a good eCommerce presence. This allows their customers to research products and compare prices online.
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