Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, O.E. DuRANT, LLC operates as a prominent ship chandler and marine service provider with a lineage spanning more than a century. The company serves as a critical support node for vessels calling on ports in the Southeastern United States, combining historical expertise with modern logistical capabilities. Its deep roots in the maritime community date back to 1901, when Oscar A. DuRant managed a local ferry boat business on the Cape Fear River. As local farmers brought merchandise to the docks, the enterprise naturally evolved into a ship supply hub. By 1913, the business was formally renamed to reflect its status as a dedicated ship chandlery, establishing a legacy of service that has persisted through generations.
Today, O.E. DuRANT functions as a subsidiary of the Moran Towing Corporation, specifically operating within the Moran Environmental Recovery group. This affiliation has bolstered its capacity to provide robust marine solutions while maintaining its local identity. The company’s core operations are twofold: providing comprehensive chandlery services and executing essential line handling and launch boat operations. As a ship chandler, the firm supplies a vast array of necessary goods to merchant vessels, ranging from fresh provisions and cabin stores to technical deck and engine equipment. Their facilities include substantial warehousing space equipped with industrial freezers and coolers, allowing them to stage and preserve orders for incoming ships.
Beyond the supply of physical goods, O.E. DuRANT is heavily involved in the operational side of port visits. The company provides professional line handling services, assisting in the safe docking and undocking of vessels. They also operate a fleet of launch boats and a deck barge to facilitate the transport of crew, supplies, and equipment directly to ships at anchor or berth. While headquartered in Wilmington, the company expanded its physical footprint in 2022 by acquiring Coleman Marine Supply, a historic chandler in Charleston, South Carolina. This expansion, combined with a fleet of delivery trucks, allows O.E. DuRANT to service a broad stretch of the U.S. East Coast, extending its logistical reach from Norfolk, Virginia, down to Jacksonville, Florida.
