Based in Chennai, India, Spence & Co serves the global maritime community as a comprehensive ship chandler and marine logistics provider. Established in 1969 by M. Ramachandran, the company has operated for over five decades, evolving from a local proprietorship into a prominent supplier with a pan-Indian footprint. Throughout its history, the firm has remained a family-led enterprise, experiencing significant modernization and expansion in the 1980s under the second-generation leadership of R. Rajamanickam. This era marked a transition toward professionalized management and a broader operational scope, allowing the entity to secure its status as a reliable partner for vessels calling at ports across the Indian subcontinent.
The core identity of Spence & Co is defined by its role as a general ship supplier, ensuring that merchant and offshore vessels receive essential provisions and technical equipment during their port calls. The company maintains a robust logistical infrastructure designed to meet the time-sensitive demands of the shipping industry. By operating its own fleet of transport and freezer vehicles, the firm controls the supply chain from warehouse to gangway, mitigating the risks of spoilage or delay. This capability allows them to service a diverse range of maritime assets, including tankers, bulk carriers, cruise liners, research ships, and offshore support vessels.
Geographically, the company has extended its reach far beyond its headquarters in Chennai. It has established branch offices and supply networks in key maritime hubs such as Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Tuticorin, Kakinada, Mangalore, Kandla, and Jamnagar. This extensive presence enables the firm to support clients at both major, bustling terminals and smaller, more remote minor ports throughout India. Their operations are aligned with international standards, evidenced by their long-standing membership in the International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA) since 1991, which underscores their commitment to global quality benchmarks.
While primarily known for ship chandling—encompassing fresh provisions, cabin stores, and bonded goods—Spence & Co also provides technical marine solutions. Their inventory and sourcing capabilities cover deck and engine stores, including critical items such as wire ropes, hawsers, and safety equipment. Beyond direct vessel supply, the company has historically diversified its industrial footprint, developing associated capabilities in heavy lifting and mobile crane services to support port and erection activities. Today, Spence & Co remains a dedicated maritime support entity, facilitating smooth vessel operations across India's vast coastline.
