Westward Shipping

Since its founding in 1957, Westward Shipping has functioned as a central coordinator for vessel requirements along the Canadian West Coast. The agency manages a wide array of ship types, including bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, and specialized project cargo vessels. With its primary administrative hub in Vancouver, the organization maintains a physical presence across several strategic regional locations such as Prince Rupert, Kitimat, and Nanaimo. This network allows for comprehensive coverage of all commercial ports in British Columbia, ensuring that ship owners and charterers receive professional representation regardless of the specific terminal or anchorage utilized. The range of activities managed by the agency encompasses every aspect of vessel arrival, stay, and departure. These tasks involve coordinating with port authorities, managing pilotage and towage requirements, and overseeing cargo documentation to facilitate smooth transitions through customs. Beyond these logistics, the team handles ship husbandry duties, which include arranging crew changes, medical assistance, delivery of provisions, and bunkering operations. By acting as a liaison between the vessel and shore-side stakeholders, the firm ensures that operational timelines are met while adhering to local regulatory requirements. Integrity and quality control are maintained through several international industry standards and professional affiliations. Westward Shipping holds ISO 9001 certification, reflecting a commitment to standardized quality management systems in maritime logistics. The agency is also a member of prominent industry bodies such as the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA). Furthermore, participation in the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia and anti-bribery initiatives like Trace International underscores a dedication to ethical business conduct. These credentials support the firm’s role in providing reliable port agency services to the global shipping community visiting Canada’s western coastline.