Apollo Global Experts has launched Apollo Portconnect, a network geared towards ship agents catering for breakbulk and project cargo vessels, dry and liquid bulkers and offshore vessels.
Apollo Global Experts now comprises five sub-networks, including Apollo Breakbulk Experts (formerly Atlas Breakbulk Alliance – ABA), as well groups specialising in cold chain, general freight forwarding, and pharmaceuticals. Industry veteran Albert Pegg said of the latest addition: “There’s quite a lot of synergies with port agencies, especially for Apollo Breakbulk Experts. When you need an agent for a part-charter or a charter, it could also be with a company under the Apollo brand.
“Another reason for creating the network is because we think there is room for an innovative and new network for agents. A lot of agents have also diversified into projects, forwarding, logistics and other specialities – now we can bring them all under one umbrella.”
Apollo Breakbulk Experts, for instance, has its own NVOCC and a house bill of lading. It also offers a comprehensive insurance package to its members – the vast majority of which are family-owned enterprises and welcome the peace of mind this affords – among other services that could support agents looking to win new business or diversify their activities.
The idea of creating added value for ship’s agents was first mooted around four years ago, and has now come to fruition with Apollo attracting external expertise to drive the network forwards and cover the sector fully.
