The Role of an Agent in 2024

Calvey Marine’s aim is to offer one point of contact to its Clients for global shiprepair and maintenance solutions, often offering an organigram of comparative options, and to provide solutions to each vessels’ needs throughout their lifespan.

“We continue to evolve our role to ensure we are the best we can be. Technology has made the world smaller and more accessible – where once we were the only UK specialists in certain far-afield regions, now a simple online search shows the capabilities of a shipyard and logistical necessities. Has this meant the beginning of the end of the agency network? Certainly not! It means that we have had to re-organise and use this technology to provide our Clients with a more comprehensive and extensive service. This has not been without its growing pains, and evolution has had to be proactive – a conscious and carefully considered effort to ascertain the best direction for this niche but crucial part of the maritime industry.”

As shiprepair agents, Calvey Marine closely monitors their projects ensuring they are completed to the highest possible standards and at the most competitive cost and timescale, giving clients access to 24/7 services. Building and maintaining long lasting relationships is at the heart of Calvey’s business, and over the last 33 years we have built up a strong network of trusted global partners, and much valued Clients made up of shipowners and managers. The team use a collaborative approach between Principal and Client to negotiate all aspects of the project on the Client’s behalf, from initial tender to ensuring Client satisfaction throughout the project. Calvey’s team has excellent and well-established relationships with the shipyards and suppliers they represent, meaning it can negotiate the most competitive tenders.  It also has access to the most up-to-date information regarding drydock availability and work very closely with the yards’ commercial departments to best accommodate clients’ vessels by securing the required drydock space, and ensuring any vessel maintenance, engineering projects or equipment is delivered in line with the Client’s requirements.

Over the past 30 years Calvey Marine has witnessed many changes within the maritime industry and has recognised the need for constant evolution – be it through expanding its product range, working with shipyards to expand their capabilities, or discussing potential areas for development to ensure its Clients’ are ahead of IMO regulations. In 2015 Calvey Marine became sole UK agents for Korean based global eco-friendly and energy system expert, PanAsia. Offering its Clients environmental solutions was an important step forward for Calvey including BWM systems, scrubber systems, and soon, industry-leading carbon-capture solutions. Clients come to Calvey Marine knowing that they will be given honest, professional and efficient solutions, offering considerable time and cost savings. Working with its Principals to offer UK shipowners/managers unparalleled equipment, project management, services, and the latest technology, is crucial to minimise downtime and unnecessary costs, which is all enhanced by forward planning. Calvey are there every step of the way – and often a step ahead!).

In 2023 Calvey recognised the demand that the growing LNG market was putting on worldwide shipyards, and the knock-on difficulties that this would likely present owners with. Calvey Marine Directors visited their Principals’ shipyards globally to examine worldwide LNG capabilities. Their goal was to return with a carefully selected collection of the world’s most capable, experienced and technologically advanced shipyards in strategic locations to best support their UK based ship owners and managers’ LNG vessels. We are now proud to introduce the LNG division of Calvey Marine Limited, focusing on our Principals; Lisnave Shipyard (Setubal), Drydocks World Dubai, and Yiu Lian Shekou.

“For me the marine industry must be one of the most engaging and rewarding sectors to work in. The opportunity to constantly be challenged and to learn throughout my career, to travel the world and to build long lasting relationships with our clients and principals is a true privilege. Having a real passion for the industry means that we can approach every interaction with enthusiasm, determination and genuine interest”.

Spokesperson for Calvey

Calvey Marine’s role as an agent in the maritime industry remains pivotal, steadfast and bright as ever with the support of their trusted Principals and valued Clients. Could we support your fleet? Get in touch.