KBBS - RBSA

Koninklijke Belgische Beroepsvereniging der Scheepsbevoorraders

Royal Belgian Shipsuppliers Association

What is a shipchandler?

Main Entry: chan-dler
Pronunciation: chan(d)-l&r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English chandeler, from Middle French chandelier, from Old French, from chandelle candle, from Latin candela
Date: 14th century
1: a maker or seller of tallow or wax candles and usually soap
2: a retail dealer in provisions and supplies or equipment of a specified kind e.g. <a yacht chandler>

Source: www.m-w.com

In the old days, the chandler used to bring salted meat, live stock (chickens, pigs, etc.), manila ropes, cargo blocks, sail and twine and related stuff, mainly for sailing vessels.

Nowadays a ship chandler has a much wider scope of supply.

Importance of Ship Supplies

The ship stores supplied to a vessel is the main artery of the ship, they are vital to the operation and safety of every movement of seagoing vessels. Thousand of different items are supplied 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Main Categories of Shipstores

  • Deck and Engine Stores: non-food products
  • Spare Parts: main and auxiliary engines and other replacements
  • Cabin Stores: cleaning materials, textiles, kitchen utensils
  • Provisions: food products
  • Bonded Stores: high dutiable goods, i.e. tobaccos, spirits, tea, coffee, etc.

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