Emcar Shipping operates as the dedicated maritime and logistics division of Emcar Limited, a diversified commercial group with historical roots in Mauritius dating back to 1898. While the parent entity engages in various sectors including automotive and energy, the shipping division, which was formally established in 1970, focuses exclusively on port agency services, vessel husbandry, and freight management. Headquartered near the harbor in Port Louis, the company functions as a critical intermediary in the Indian Ocean, leveraging the island’s strategic location between Asia, Africa, and Australia to facilitate international trade.
The core of the company’s operations lies in its role as a port and ship agent. Emcar Shipping acts as the local representative for global ship owners, operators, and charterers, managing the complex logistical requirements of vessels calling at Mauritian ports. The division handles a wide spectrum of vessel types, including bulk carriers, tankers, cruise liners, fishing vessels, and specialized project cargo ships. Its operational responsibilities encompass the coordination of berthing arrangements, the management of port entry and exit documentation, and the oversight of cargo loading and discharging processes to ensure safety and efficiency.
Beyond standard agency duties, the company provides comprehensive husbandry services designed to support the vessel and its crew. This includes organizing crew changes, medical assistance, and repatriation, as well as coordinating essential supplies such as fresh water, provisions, and bunkering. The firm also assists with technical requirements, arranging underwater inspections, hull cleaning, and class surveys through local service providers.
In the freight forwarding sector, Emcar Shipping manages the movement of goods via sea and air. The company offers customs brokerage and inland transportation, handling the administrative and physical aspects of the supply chain. It has developed specific expertise in moving key regional commodities, including coal, sugar, molasses, and ethanol, reflecting the industrial needs of the local economy. The organization maintains its operational standards through adherence to international quality management systems and active participation in global maritime associations, such as BIMCO. Through these integrated services, Emcar Shipping sustains the flow of commerce through Port Louis, ensuring that regulatory compliance and logistical schedules are met for international stakeholders.
