C.B. Fenton & Co.

Based in the Republic of Panama, C.B. Fenton & Co. operates as a specialized shipping agency with a history deeply intertwined with the development of the region’s maritime infrastructure. Established in 1916, shortly after the opening of the Panama Canal, the company was created to provide essential support services to vessels navigating the newly constructed waterway. Over more than a century of continuous operation, it has evolved into a prominent maritime service provider, functioning as a critical logistical bridge between global ship operators and the complex regulatory environment of the Panama Canal Authority. The core of the company’s identity lies in its management of canal transits. C.B. Fenton & Co. coordinates the intricate scheduling, documentation, and financial clearance required for vessels to move between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Its operational teams work directly with canal officials to secure transit slots, manage toll payments, and ensure compliance with strict navigational regulations. This role requires a permanent presence at both ends of the canal, and the company maintains offices at the Pacific terminal in Balboa and the Atlantic terminal in Cristobal to facilitate immediate on-the-ground support. Beyond transit coordination, the company serves as a general port agent for vessels calling at Panamanian ports. Its husbandry division manages the essential needs of the vessel and crew, coordinating crew changes, medical assistance, spare parts delivery, and provisions. The agency handles a diverse range of vessel types, including container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, and specialized offshore craft, overseeing cargo operations such as loading and discharging at various terminals throughout the country. In 2012, C.B. Fenton & Co. became part of the Ultramar Group, a significant maritime and logistics network based in Chile. This integration provided the agency with broader regional capabilities and resources, allowing it to expand its service portfolio to include more comprehensive logistics solutions. Through this association, the company leverages a wider support structure while maintaining its specific focus on Panamanian waters. Today, the organization continues to facilitate international trade by ensuring the efficient movement of tonnage through one of the world’s most vital maritime choke points, supporting both liner services and tramp trade operations.