Based in Tampa, Florida, First Choice Marine Supply is a long-standing provider of logistics and procurement solutions for the global maritime industry. For over four decades, the company has operated as a comprehensive ship chandler and technical supplier, serving a diverse range of vessels including commercial cargo ships, cruise liners, offshore platforms, tug and barge fleets, and government naval craft.
The company’s core identity is built around its dual role as both a general provisioner and a specialized technical distributor. As a ship chandler, it manages the critical logistics of keeping vessels stocked and operational. This involves the supply of food provisions, bonded stores, cabin necessities, and galley equipment, ensuring the well-being of crews during long voyages. Beyond basic consumables, the company maintains extensive inventories of deck and engine stores, offering everything from spare parts and lubricants to heavy marine hardware and safety gear.
Distinct from many generalist suppliers, First Choice Marine Supply has developed specialized divisions that address specific technical needs within the marine sector. It is a recognized provider of aids to navigation (ATON), distributing and supporting solar marine lighting, buoys, and marking systems used by ports, harbors, and construction projects. Additionally, the company has deep roots in the commercial fishing industry, supplying high-strength wire rope, rigging, netting, and custom fishing gear to fleets operating across the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean.
Strategically located near major shipping hubs in the Southeastern United States, including operations in Florida and Georgia, the company utilizes substantial warehousing facilities to facilitate rapid response times. Its logistical reach extends throughout the Americas and the Caribbean, supporting vessels calling at US ports as well as export markets in Central and South America. The firm is also noted for its status as a certified woman-owned business, a distinction that frequently allows it to partner with federal agencies and government contractors on marine safety and infrastructure projects. Through these varied operations, First Choice Marine Supply functions as a critical link in the maritime supply chain, ensuring that vessels remain seaworthy, compliant, and fully provisioned.
