DIFFICULT TIMES breed innovative solutions, and such was the case with Multiport ship’s agencies network which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Launched in 1978, Multiport is an exclusive grouping whose membership is limited to those ships agents who measure up in terms of financial strength and operational expertise. Only one member per country is accepted and today the network has representation in 106 countries and over 1500 ports worldwide. The late 1970s was the worst time for ship’s agents, says Tony Kee, marketing director of South African member Rennies Ships Agency. “Increasing use of containers led to the emergence of full container lines which led to many ships agents losing their major principals. “A number of ship operators were unable to keep their heads above water and the demise of shipping companies like Hellenic Lines left many appointed agents with millions of dollars worth of bad debt. “In order to survive,” says Kee, “agents lowered their standards of business practice and competition between ships agents grew to unprecedented levels. Past reputations were now meaningless and there was no guide to separate good agents from bad.” It was against this background that Multiport was launched, its aim to provide members with a recognised label of quality. Today its members represent more than 3 500 different principals worldwide.
