History
General Shipping Agencies (Pvt) Ltd was established by Mr. Anver M. Rajpar in 1974 and currently represents several ship owners and operators of international repute. The company is recognised and trusted as one of the leading shipping agencies in Pakistan.
Services
While the emphasis is on serving owners and operators operating regular liner services to and from Pakistan, General Shipping Agencies (Pvt) Ltd also acts as agents for tramp vessels. In addition, the company renders services as protecting (or husbanding) agents for owners whose vessels have been chartered by others.
The guiding principle is to provide total satisfaction to the Principals. Highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals cater to all the needs of the vessel. The working of each ship is meticulously planned in advance, and continuously monitored thereafter. Close, personal contact is maintained with the port authorities to ensure expeditious berthing and sailing of vessels. In addition, cordial relationships are cultivated with various other government departments such as Customs, Mercantile Marine Department, Port Health, etc. thus enabling us to perform with a tangible difference compared to others. Staff members also strive to provide a personalized service to Masters and their crews in order to fulfill all their requirements.
A competent Claims Department, assisted by lawyers engaged on a retainer basis, is maintained to process all cargo claims. These are thoroughly verified and then passed on to owners, underwriters or P&I Clubs as appropriate. To lend support to the port agency side of the business, a Commercial Department has been established. This is manned by a competent and experienced team which maintains regular contact with importers, exporters, forwarders, project contractors, etc. canvassing FCL/LCL cargoes for world wide destinations as well as break bulk / ro-ro / project cargoes for our regular principals. In short, General Shipping Agencies (Pvt) Ltd provides a complete, dedicated service and ensures a quick turnaround of all vessels calling under its agency.
Over the past four decades General Shipping Agencies (Pvt) Ltd has, through subsidiary and allied companies, participated in various pioneering shipping related activities enabling us to earn several “firsts” to our credit. For example, a group company was the first terminal operator at Port Qasim, whilst another was the first to automate handling of bulk wheat at Port Qasim. Most recently General Shipping Agencies (Pvt) Ltd has the distinction of handling the first FSRU located at Port Qasim thus playing a role in bringing LNG into Pakistan.
FACILITIES
Our offices are housed in a self-owned, custom-built building strategically located opposite the entrance to Karachi Port. Our operations are fully IT enabled allowing us to communicate effectively and efficiently with our Principals, Shippers, Consignees and, of course, ships at sea.