Based in Spain, Erhardt Shipping Services operates as a dedicated port agency and maritime logistics provider with deep historical roots in the region. The company traces its origins to 1882, when Eugen Erhardt established the business in Bilbao to facilitate trade and transport between Northern Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. Over nearly a century and a half, the organization has evolved from a traditional trading house into a specialized maritime service provider, maintaining its headquarters in Bilbao while expanding its physical presence across the coastline.
The company functions primarily as a representative for shipowners, charterers, and vessel operators, acting as their local agent in Spanish ports. Its operational network covers the entirety of the Spanish coast, including the Balearic and Canary Islands, as well as Gibraltar. Through a system of owned offices in major maritime hubs such as Barcelona, Algeciras, Valencia, Cartagena, and Tarragona, the firm ensures consistent operational standards across different port authorities. This extensive footprint allows the organization to serve as a hub agent, providing a single point of coordination for fleets that require support at multiple terminals within the region.
Operational teams at Erhardt Shipping Services manage a wide array of vessel types, ranging from tankers and dry bulk carriers to cruise ships, naval vessels, and specialized offshore units. The company handles the essential administrative and physical tasks associated with port calls, including customs clearance, berth reservations, and documentation compliance. Beyond standard agency duties, the firm provides comprehensive husbandry services, coordinating complex crew changes, medical assistance, and the delivery of cash to master, provisions, and ship spares.
The organization also plays a significant role in the project cargo and offshore sectors. It manages logistics for heavy-lift operations and supports energy infrastructure projects, handling the unique requirements of subsea construction vessels and drilling rigs. As part of the broader Erhardt Group, the shipping division leverages an integrated logistics infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods between land and sea. By combining local regulatory knowledge with established relationships in Spanish terminals, Erhardt Shipping Services acts as a critical link in the supply chain, ensuring the efficient turnaround of vessels and cargo in Southern Europe.
