What is a Ship Broker?
A Ship Broker is a professional intermediary in the shipping market who facilitates transactions between ship owners and charterers (for chartering deals) or between buyers and sellers (for vessel S&P — Sale and Purchase). Ship brokers operate in specialized markets including dry cargo, tankers, offshore, and newbuilding.
Types of Ship Brokers
- Chartering Broker — arranges voyage, time, or bareboat charters
- Sale and Purchase (S&P) Broker — brokers vessel sales between owners
- Newbuilding Broker — represents owners contracting new vessels at shipyards
Ship Brokers in UAE
Dubai is an important ship broking centre, particularly for tankers and offshore vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf. Several international broking firms including Clarksons, BRS, and Arrow have Dubai offices.
