You wouldn’t expect a ship to leave port without fuel, would you?
But fuel isn’t the only thing a ship needs.
Food, water, spare parts, soap, fire extinguishers, even chocolate bars. Without them, a vessel isn’t going far.
That’s where a ship chandler steps in.
If you’re a ship owner or captain coming into Chittagong Port in Bangladesh, you’re probably trying to solve one very real problem: how do I get all the supplies I need without delays, extra fees, or shady vendors?
This post is your answer.
You’ll learn what ship chandling is, what a chandler provides, how the process works, what to look for in a supplier, and why Chittagong is a major player in this business.
We’ll also share what we’ve learned running ISSMT, one of the most trusted ship chandlers in Bangladesh.
Let’s get to it.
What Does Ship Chandling Actually Mean?
Ship chandling is the business of supplying ships with the things they need to operate safely and smoothly.
It could be provisions like food and drinks. It could be technical parts for the engine room. It could even be toothpaste or cigarettes for the crew.
In short, a ship chandler is your ship’s one-stop supplier when you’re in port.
The word comes from “chandler,” an old English term for a candle-seller. These days, it means a lot more than candles.
What Ship Chandlers Supply (and Why It Matters)
Food & Fresh Provisions
Ships are floating homes for days, weeks, even months. Crews need food, and not just any food.
We’re talking:
- Fresh vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Seafood
- Dairy
- Packaged goods
Poor quality food kills morale. Late deliveries cause delays. Spoiled food creates health risks.
We’ve had vessels ask us for items as specific as Bangladeshi lentils or halal chicken. If it’s in demand, we find a way to deliver it.
Spare Parts & Technical Equipment
Machinery fails. Pumps break. Gaskets wear out. Ships can’t afford to wait days to get a replacement.
That’s why chandlers stock or can source:
- Filters
- Bearings
- Engine parts
- Hoses
- Tools
Fast access to these items means fewer delays and safer sailing.
Deck & Safety Gear
Life jackets expire. Flares must be replaced. Fire extinguishers need to be certified.
Ship chandlers help with that too. We supply certified gear that meets international safety standards.
Bonded Stores
Duty-free items like alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates. These may not sound like essentials, but ask any seafarer after 90 days at sea. Bonded stores keep morale high.
They’re also strictly regulated. Only licensed chandlers like us can provide them.
Cleaning & Cabin Supplies
Hygiene matters on a ship. With limited space and lots of people, cabins and shared areas need to stay clean.
We provide:
- Mops and brushes
- Laundry soap
- Garbage bags
- Air fresheners
- Pest control items
Even the little things matter when you’re in the middle of the ocean.
Why Chittagong Port Matters for Chandling
Chittagong handles over 90% of Bangladesh’s international trade.
It’s the busiest port in the country.
And it sees thousands of vessels a year.
For ship chandlers, that means opportunity. For ships, it means you need someone who knows how to navigate local suppliers, port clearance, and tight schedules.
We’ve had ships call us at 2 AM to arrange emergency deliveries. And we delivered.
In a port this active, delays cost money. A good chandler in Chittagong can be the difference between a smooth operation and a logistical headache.
How the Ship Supply Process Works
Step 1: The Requisition
The ship’s master or purchasing officer sends a list of required items. Usually this includes quantities, brands, and deadlines.
We respond quickly with availability and pricing.
Step 2: Quote Approval
Once the vessel approves the quote, we begin processing the order. This may include sourcing from local suppliers or from our stock.
We also prep customs paperwork if needed.
Step 3: Delivery
Delivery depends on the ship’s location:
- At berth
- At anchorage
- At outer harbor
We organize trucks, boats, and port access to deliver directly to the vessel. On time. No excuses.
Step 4: Billing and Follow-Up
We send a detailed invoice. If any issues come up later, like a damaged package or a customs hold, we help resolve it.
How to Choose a Reliable Ship Chandler
Look for Local Knowledge
You want someone who knows the port. That includes the paperwork, the roads, and the people.
We’ve worked with ships that wasted hours because they chose a supplier who couldn’t get port clearance on time.
Ask About Quality Assurance
Is the fresh food actually fresh? Are the tools branded or knock-offs?
At ISSMT, we test and document our items before they go on the truck or launch boat.
Check Availability
A good chandler doesn’t say “we’re out of stock.” They say “give us 3 hours.”
You need someone who can handle last-minute requests.
Communication
Time zones, accents, different languages. Clear, fast communication is everything. We use WhatsApp, email, and phone to stay connected 24/7.
Real Story: What Happens When a Ship Runs Out of Water?
One of our client vessels ran out of potable water at anchorage.
They were supposed to restock in Singapore but delays pushed them to Chittagong. They sent a last-minute SOS.
We arranged delivery of 10 tons of freshwater within 6 hours.
The captain later emailed: “That saved us from turning back.”
It wasn’t glamorous. But it was mission-critical.
That’s what ship chandlers do.
What Makes ISSMT Different?
We don’t just deliver. We manage. We solve. We pick up the phone when others don’t.
Some of our team members are ex-seafarers. They know the pressure captains are under.
We know which vegetable market opens at 3 AM. We know how to get a flare certified fast. We know who to call when a permit is stuck.
That’s the stuff you won’t find on a price list.
FAQs About Ship Chandling
1. Can I place an order while my ship is still en route?
Yes, and we recommend it. The earlier we know, the smoother the supply process will be.
2. Do you provide customs support for bonded items?
Yes. We handle all documentation and clearance for bonded stores.
3. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfers, cash, and LCs. For returning clients, we also offer credit terms.
4. What if something is out of stock?
We find a local alternative or air-freight it in. We always provide options.
5. How fast can you deliver?
Same day, even within hours if the item is in stock and paperwork is ready.
6. Do you provide after-delivery support?
Absolutely. If there’s a problem, we fix it.
7. Can you supply at Mongla or Payra Port too?
Yes, we operate across major ports in Bangladesh.
Final Thoughts
Ship chandling may not make headlines. But it keeps ships running.
Whether you need a wrench, a watermelon, or a winch — someone has to get it to the dock on time.
If you’re coming to Chittagong Port, don’t gamble with your supplies. Let someone local handle it.
Someone like us.
As the old maritime saying goes: “A ship is only as good as the shore team behind it.”
See you at the port.
