Based in Sopot, Poland, within the strategic maritime hub of the Tricity area (Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot), UMS Marbalco Co. Ltd. operates as a specialized marine surveying and ship agency firm. The company functions as an independent service provider for the commercial shipping sector, delivering technical expertise, regulatory inspections, and logistical support to shipowners, cargo interests, insurers, and maritime administrations.
The origins of the organization date back to the late 1980s, beginning with the establishment of Sulbalco Co. Ltd. in 1988 near the Port of Gdynia. Over the subsequent decades, the company underwent significant structural evolution, including the formation of United Marine Services and the eventual consolidation of activities. By 2012, UMS Marbalco Co. Ltd. had fully integrated the operations of its predecessors, combining ship agency roles with an expanded portfolio of technical and cargo inspection capabilities to serve the wider Baltic region.
A central pillar of the company’s operations is its role as a provider of technical surveys and marine inspections. UMS Marbalco Co. Ltd. performs comprehensive vessel condition assessments, including on-hire and off-hire surveys, bunker quantity verifications, and draft surveys. The firm also investigates cargo damage and supervises loading and discharging operations to ensure compliance with safety standards. Beyond commercial surveys, the company acts on behalf of various international maritime administrations, conducting Flag State Inspections to verify that vessels meet statutory safety and environmental regulations.
In addition to surveying, the company maintains a dedicated technical department focused on Life Saving Appliances (LSA). The firm is authorized by multiple classification societies and equipment manufacturers to conduct statutory annual and five-year inspections of lifeboats, rescue boats, launching appliances, and release gears. This technical competency allows them to service vessels calling at Polish ports, ensuring their safety equipment remains certified and operational.
UMS Marbalco Co. Ltd. also serves as a port agent, managing the logistical and administrative requirements of vessels during port calls. Their agency services cover a diverse range of tonnage, including tankers, bulk carriers, and passenger ships, facilitating crew changes, customs clearance, and husbandry matters. Through its membership in organizations such as the Polish Chamber of Maritime Commerce and its cooperation with international marine insurance bodies, the company maintains its status as a verified technical partner within the global shipping industry.
