Women in Maritime Happy Hour: What Does a Shipping Agent Do?
Over 100 professional women gathered to network, share experiences, and gained valuable insights on the role of a shipping agent in the maritime industry with the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Women in Maritime Happy Hour event at the WGMA office on March 19.
Who represents ship owners, ship managers, or charterers to handle ship-related declarations and port operations efficiently? Operating costs can skyrocket when a ship calls at a port, but with the help of shipping agents, these expenses can be managed effectively. Shipping agents take charge of coordinating timely operations, crew replacements, crew necessities, maintenance specialists, customs documents, and more, ensuring smooth port calls and cargo operations for shipowners and charterers.
In the world of maritime affairs with James Nash, the director at WGMA and newly elected president of the prestigious Propeller Club of Houston discussed needs of a vessel operator and owner. With a rich history dating back to 1968, the West Gulf Maritime Association stands as a beacon of support for its 200+ members across the Gulf Coast. From steamship owners to terminal companies, WGMA offers a comprehensive range of services including payroll support, labor relations, safety training, and advocacy at regulatory levels. Under the leadership of WGMA continues to excel in negotiating collective bargaining agreements and fostering a safe, efficient working environment for all its members.
Jessica Di Giulio, the vice president of business development at Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc., discussed the world of maritime as a shipping agent. With a passion for cultivating and nurturing client relationships in the realm of bulk, break bulk, project, and offshore wind cargo in New England, Jessica is a professional with a wealth of experience. As a proud member of organizations like WISTA, ASBA, CMA, and more, her expertise and dedication shine through in every interaction. Moran Shipping Agencies, a powerhouse established in 1937, stands as the largest independent steamship agency in North America, orchestrating over 10,000 vessel movements annually across the nation. Offering a comprehensive suite of premium services through affiliated entities like Moran Cyber and Moran Office of Maritime & Port Security, Moran Shipping Agencies leads the maritime industry with services ranging from full agency attendance and ship husbandry to cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.
As the director of processes and systems for Host Agency, LLC, Lindsay Hrones with a wealth of experience, discussed her position. Lindsay is dedicated to driving innovation and efficiency by overseeing the development, implementation, and tracking of key business processes, procedures, and systems within the Agency division. The legacy of HOST is a renowned ship agency, stevedoring, and terminal operations company established in 1923, known as the largest dry bulk ship agency in the U.S. Offering exceptional service and cutting-edge solutions in the maritime industry, Host Agency, LLC, continues to set new standards of excellence.
The GHPB Women in Maritime/Happy Hour program is grateful to our sponsors WGMA, WIMOs, Watco, Enterprise Products Partners, Houston Pilots, Intercontinental Terminals Company, Galveston Wharves, Targa Resources, Suderman & Young Towing Co., and Vopak, as well as our drawing sponsors Jones Executive Business School-Rice University, Houston Maritime Center & Museum, Riverside Seafood & Grill and HSCSD for their generous support. Their contributions make events like the Women in Maritime Happy Hour possible, allowing us to continue our mission of educating and promoting diversity within the maritime and logistics industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and supporters for their dedication to shaping a brighter future for our industry and future generations. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact alavorgna@txgulf.org