Organising and managing the port
Meeting the needs of ships, goods and passengers at the port requires the help of a wide and heterogeneous range of companies and official bodies with different missions, which, as a whole, form what is called the "Port Community". At the heart of the Port Community we find the "Port Authorities".
The Port Authorities are public, state entities whose main objectives and functions include the control, management and administration of port services, as well as the planning, construction, preservation and use of port facilities.
Panoramic view of the Port
Ship services
Pilotage: A collection of services to assist and guide ships and to help them manoeuvre (entering/leaving; docking/setting sail) within the ports, which are provided by sea pilot companies.
Tug boat companies: Companies that have specially prepared ships to help ships move and manoeuvre within the port.
Mooring: Service to ensure that the ship is docked at the quay by fixing cables* to the mooring posts*, as well the reverse action of letting out ropes* when the ship is leaving
Suppliers, or shipchandlers supply ships with provisions, drinks, equipment, etc.
Shipping agents: These companies represent the interests of one or a number of shipping companies or shipowners at the port. They meet the ship's needs while they remain at port and take charge of all administrative and technical procedures. Their tasks can be extended to cover goods and in this case, they are responsible for managing the ship's loading/unloading operations. When they take charge of all the transport requirements relating to goods, from the place of origin to the destination, they are called "Forwarding agents".
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Panoramic view of the Port
Goods services
Dockers: These people take charge of the handling of goods at the port (loading, unloading, storage, etc). In order to meet the staffing needs of docking companies, whose work fluctuates depending on the amount and type of goods to be handled, the public company Sestian supplies labour.
Customs agents: They are responsible for all administrative processes relating to the entrance and exit of goods to and from a country.
Free warehouse: Storage area at the port that has customs facilities.
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Panoramic view of the Port
Official monitoring organisations
Maritime Office: Authorises the entrance and exit of ships and is responsible for maritime safety, navigation and rescue, as well as the technical inspection of ships.
Customs: Body that monitors rights relating to imported or exported goods.
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