Based in Chittagong, the commercial capital of Bangladesh, JAC Shipping Lines operates as a comprehensive maritime service provider and a core component of the JAC Group of Companies. Established as part of a business conglomerate with a history dating back to the mid-1980s, the company has evolved into a prominent shipping agent and logistics entity within the South Asian maritime sector. It functions primarily as a representative for ship owners, charterers, and operators, facilitating vessel movements and cargo handling across Bangladesh's major sea ports, including Chittagong, Mongla, and Payra.
The company’s operational scope encompasses a wide array of agency services tailored to different vessel types, such as bulk carriers, tankers, feeder vessels, RO-RO ships, and container liners. As a shipping agent, JAC Shipping Lines manages the critical interface between visiting vessels and port authorities, handling inward and outward clearances, berthing arrangements, and documentation. This role ensures that principals receive necessary support for port calls, ranging from routine harbor formalities to complex cargo operations.
Beyond basic agency work, the firm is actively involved in stevedoring and heavy lift cargo handling. It coordinates the loading and unloading of goods, employing specialized equipment and labor to manage diverse cargo categories, including project materials and industrial machinery. The company also operates as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) and international freight forwarder, structuring supply chains that connect Bangladeshi industries with global markets. These forwarding activities are supported by inland logistics capabilities, utilizing road and river transport to move freight from port terminals to final destinations.
The enterprise maintains a significant presence in the marine support sector, offering ancillary services such as bunker and lubricant supply, ship repair coordination, and provisions for crew. It also acts as a manning agent, facilitating crew exchange and repatriation processes for foreign vessels. Through its integration with the broader group, JAC Shipping Lines leverages inland ship ownership and barge operations to support lighterage activities, essential for transferring cargo from deep-draft mother vessels at outer anchorages to riverine ports. This multifaceted approach allows the company to maintain a cohesive role in the national maritime infrastructure, supporting both import and export trade flows through the Bay of Bengal.
