OPA Agency - OBT Shipping Group DMCC

Owners’ Protective Agency (OPA)

Vessel owners or operators often need to appoint an agent with whom they have an established relationship to oversee or supervise the charterers’ agent and monitor port call operations with the owner's interests uppermost.
OBT Shipping Group own network in AFRICA provides this facility service to owners & operators and can offer any solution of OPA services including a combination of any/all of the below:

Confirmation of port restrictions or any port operating matters such as port or berth congestion.
Cost control of proforma disbursement account provided by charterer's agent.
Receipt of owners’ funds and disbursement to charterer's agent if required.
Reporting of port call operation in format / procedures required by owner.
Attendance onboard vessel throughout entire port call, assisting the Master.
 Checking / Verification of all cargo documents, charterer's agent reports, time sheets and countersignature of final SOF for accuracy. Where disparities occur, inform owner and resolve conflict if possible.
Approval / Signatories / Issue of Bills of Lading or any other relevant documents.
Discrepancies during the port call on cargo or any other matters, OPA can issue letters of protest as per owner's requirements.
Assisting on crew-related issues such as medical visits, medivac, certificates, crew changes, bunkers and spare parts etc.
Assisting with any issues requested by the owners / operators

If you wish to discuss a possible port call or a tailormade solution covering all your activities for a full Agency coverage in Africa, then please contact us.