Based in Gibraltar, A. Mateos and Sons LTD is a historic maritime service provider and port agency recognized for its extensive operations within the Strait of Gibraltar and surrounding regions. Established in the mid-19th century, the company has maintained a continuous presence in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes for over 150 years. Originally founded as a local shipping entity, it has evolved into a comprehensive logistics and agency firm, serving ship owners, managers, and operators who require dependable support while transiting the Mediterranean-Atlantic gateway.
The company’s primary function involves acting as a port and liner agent, representing the interests of vessels calling at strategic hubs. While its headquarters remains in Gibraltar, the firm has expanded its operational footprint to include key ports across Southern Spain and North Africa, such as Algeciras and Ceuta. This multi-jurisdictional presence allows the company to manage the complex regulatory and logistical differences between British and Spanish territories, ensuring seamless port calls for international fleets. Additionally, the organization extends its reach to the Canary Islands, providing coverage in Las Palmas for vessels operating in the Atlantic.
A. Mateos and Sons LTD specializes in ship husbandry and protective agency services. These essential operations include coordinating crew changes, arranging medical assistance for seafarers, managing visa and immigration formalities, and facilitating cash-to-master deliveries. The firm also plays a significant role in the logistics of ship supplies, handling the importation, clearance, and delivery of spare parts, provisions, and technical equipment. Its warehousing capabilities, including bonded storage, enable the efficient staging of marine stores before a vessel’s arrival.
Beyond administrative and logistical support, the company acts as a key facilitator for technical services. It coordinates bunker calls, overseeing the delivery of fuel and lubricants to ensure quantity and quality standards are met. The firm also arranges underwater inspections, hull cleaning, and general repairs through local contractors, helping vessels maintain operational readiness without significant downtime. Since the mid-2000s, A. Mateos and Sons LTD has operated as a subsidiary within the Mertramar Group, a larger logistics network, which has further reinforced its capability to offer integrated transport and shipping solutions across the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.
