Multiport Ship Agencies Network

Founded in 1978, to restore trust and confidence in the ship agency profession, Multiport is the world's largest independent ship agency network with 10% of the worldwide agency business by port call. Ten independent agents from Australia, Jordan, Lebanon, UK, France, Greece, Singapore, Egypt, Germany and Holland were the founder members to be joined within six months by South Africa, Turkey, Mauritius, Argentina, Belgium, Malta, Denmark, Spain, New Zealand and Canada. In 1993 Multiport's secretariat gained ISO 9001 certification. Multiport's secretariat relocated to London in 1995 but the Association remains registered in Rotterdam. By 1998, Multiport has had over 100 members covering 1800 ports. Multiport's network was handling some 60,000 vessels annually carrying more than 300 million tonnes of freight (including 3 million teu) around the world and representing over 3,000 principals. Another recognition of quality was awarded to Multiport in 2002, when the organisation achieved the ISO 9001:2000 certification. In 2005, the number of vessels was around 85,000 representing over 3,500 principals, and continues to grow with selected and qualified members from around the world.