Owner’s Protective Agency (OPA)

When you entrust your vessel’s port call under a charterer’s agency, Blue Water Shipping gives you the assurance that your interests remain protected. As your Owner Protective Agency (OPA), we act as your eyes and ears — supervising every aspect of the port call to safeguard your rights and ensure transparent, fair operations.

What Owner Protective Agency Means for You

As your OPA, Blue Water Shipping operates independently from the charterer’s agent. Our purpose is to monitor port call activities, verify expenses, oversee vessel operations, and alert you immediately if anything seems out of order — eliminating potential conflicts of interest and ensuring full accountability.

Core Services We Provide

• Vessel & Cargo Operation Oversight — We monitor all ship operations during port calls to ensure loading, discharge, and other procedures are carried out properly and safely.
• Disbursement Account Review & Cost Control — We scrutinize all port-related charges, verify disbursement accounts (DA), compare with applicable tariffs, and confirm payments or challenge costs if necessary.
• Document & Statement Verification — We check key documents such as Bill of Lading, Statement of Facts (SOF), timesheets, cargo documentation, and any financial or clearance paperwork for accuracy and compliance.
• Financial Handling & Fund Management — If needed, we manage the owner’s funds, make payments to the head (charterer’s) agent, and ensure transparent tracking and reporting of every transaction.
• Survey & Third-Party Coordination — On your behalf, we can appoint surveyors, independent inspectors or marine-service providers (for repairs, inspections, or P&I representation) whenever required.
• 24/7 Representation & Support — We act as your representative on-site throughout the port call, ready to respond to any issues, disputes, delays or unexpected developments — giving you peace of mind even if you’re remote.