Ronasons Shipping Agency operates as a comprehensive maritime service provider within the Mediterranean region. Established on March 17, 1967, by Ronald John Pace, the firm has a history spanning more than five decades. The company’s origins were rooted in the recruitment sector, where it initially focused on sourcing Maltese seafarers for employment on foreign-flagged vessels. This early specialization leveraged the local workforce's extensive experience with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to supply crews for global trade routes.
Over the subsequent decades, the organization transitioned from a recruitment-heavy model to a full-service shipping agency. Today, it serves as a central logistical partner for shipowners and operators, handling an estimated volume of over 1,000 vessel calls annually. A defining aspect of the company’s operational identity is its role in developing Outside Port Limits (OPL) services in Malta. Ronasons Shipping Agency is credited with initiating these offshore operations, which allow vessels to receive necessary supplies, conduct personnel transfers, and undergo technical checks without the time and expense of entering the physical harbor.
The agency’s portfolio encompasses a wide array of husbandry and technical support functions. These include coordinating ship-to-ship (STS) transfers for crude and fuel oils, managing bunkering operations, and facilitating fresh water supply via barges. The firm also organizes complex crew changes, medical assistance for seafarers, and the delivery of provisions, spares, and charts. Beyond logistical support, the company assists with technical requirements such as dry-docking arrangements and afloat repairs.
In the commercial sector, the agency manages cargo operations ranging from grain transshipment to general freight handling. It also acts as a representative for major global marine product suppliers, distributing lubricating oils to vessels both in port and offshore. The company continues to operate from its headquarters near the Grand Harbour, maintaining its status as a family-founded entity deeply integrated into Malta’s maritime infrastructure. Its activities support a diverse client base, including cargo ships, cruise liners, and naval vessels transiting the central Mediterranean.
