Based in Santos, Brazil, DSF-Servicos operates as a specialized ship supplier and maritime service provider, catering to the commercial shipping and offshore energy sectors. Founded in 1986, the company emerged from the initiative of engineer Paulo Rodrigues Filho, who identified a gap in the local market for reliable, comprehensive vessel support. Over nearly four decades, the organization has evolved from a general supplier into a multifaceted logistics and technical partner for shipowners, managers, and offshore operators frequenting Brazilian waters.
The company’s core identity revolves around its function as a "ship chandler"—a central source for the diverse range of provisions and technical equipment a vessel requires during port calls. Operating primarily out of the Port of Santos, the largest port complex in Latin America, DSF-Servicos has expanded its logistical reach to serve major hubs along the Brazilian coast, including Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Sebastião. This geographic footprint allows the company to support merchant vessels as well as oil platforms, addressing the specific, time-sensitive demands of the oil and gas industry.
Operationally, DSF-Servicos divides its activities between the supply of physical goods and the provision of specialized technical services. On the supply side, it distributes deck and engine stores, safety equipment, and nautical publications. The company maintains partnerships to supply essential navigation aids, including digital and paper nautical charts, alongside industrial gases, refrigerants, and marine chemicals. Beyond hard goods, it manages the procurement and delivery of fresh provisions and bonded stores, ensuring vessels are stocked for long voyages.
In parallel with its supply chain activities, the company executes technical services essential for regulatory compliance and vessel safety. It conducts inspections of Life Saving Appliances (LSA), such as life rafts and fire-fighting systems, and performs maintenance on refrigeration units. The company also handles the customs clearance of spare parts, a critical logistical hurdle for international fleets operating in Brazil. Adhering to international quality standards, including ISO certifications and membership in global ship supplier associations, DSF-Servicos functions as a 24-hour support node, integrating local logistical expertise with the rigorous safety and operational standards required by the global maritime community.
