The worlds top ship broking firms

Brokers by the dozen

Its a tough job but someone has got to do it here are our top 12 shipbroking companies
PUT simply, shipbroking is not as easy it used to be. The newbuilding boom might have seen a huge
surge in the number of ships on the water needing to be chartered and sold but it has also caused
a dramatic plunge in freight rates and subsequently brokers commissions. We have expanded our
list this year to create a brokers dozen, which is not to be confused with a bakers dozen.
1. Clarksons Andi Case
Regarded across the industry as the biggest shipbroker, Clarksons and its chief executive Andi Case
have retained their top spot on our list in 2012. Despite the departure of the brands most famous
spokesman Martin Stopford in May, the brokers dominance in the global market remains due to its
head count, geographical spread and coverage across all sectors.
2. RS Platou Peter Anker
There might not have been much movement on RS Platous previous plans to go public but the
Peter Anker-led Norwegian broking and financial services group continues to strengthen its
portfolio. Positioned well for the gas and offshore boom, the group has expanded into key growth
markets and building its research and equity offering.
3. Braemar Shipping Services James Kidwell
A change at the top for Braemar Shipping Services this year, with the London-listed group now
headed up by chief executive James Kidwell formally the financial director. Former head Alan
Marsh has returned to the sale and purchase desk, while the broking business is now being run by
Sebastian Davenport-Thomas.
4. ICAP Shipping Henry Liddell
Seeing the most upward movement on our list this year is ICAP Shipping, the maritime division of
the worlds largest interdealer broker, due to its expansion into emerging markets through
acquisitions. In 2012, chief executive Henry Liddell has led two major purchases Singapore-based
tanker specialists Island Shipbrokers and CTI Shipbrokers in India and Dubai, which focus in dry
bulk , tankers, sale and purchase and offshore. Today, global staff numbers total almost 230,
including 73 acquired through the two deals.
5. SSY John Welham
Low-profile Simpson Spence & Young continues to offer strong broking and research services,
particularly in its specialist area of dry bulk. SSY has made a name for itself as the go-to source
for port congestion information, with its capesize and panamax data much sought after.
6. Maersk Broker Jrn Steen Nielsen
Sticking in the middle of our list this year is Copenhagen-headquartered Maersk Broker. Despite
namesake Maersk Line opening up container business to rival brokers Clarksons and Howe Robinson
last year, it still has gravitas in the box broking sector as well as dry bulk and tankers.
7. Poten & Partners - Michael Tusiani
Well-positioned for the North America oil and gas boom is New York-headquartered Poten &
Partners, headed up by Michael Tusiani, which has moved up our list this year. The company has
built up a reputation for top quality broking and research on the energy sectors, particularly with
regard to tankers and gas carriers. The employee-owned company known for its leading presence
in the asphalt market.
8. Gibson Nigel Richardson

Managing director Nigel Richardson continues to head up the private broking arm of publicly-listed
energy services provider Hunting. Strong on tankers, specialist cargoes and gas, Gibson is on speeddial for many people in the shipping industry looking for energy expertise. Its strong research
team, sale and purchase desk and dry bulk business compliment
9. BRS Tim Jones
Barry Rogliano Salles chief executive Tim Jones looks after almost 200 employees across its
headquarters in France as well as other offices around the world. Well-positioned, the Neuillybased company works across the eight main areas of broking newbuilding, offshore, sale and
purchase, dry bulk, containerships, tankers, chemicals and gas.
10. ACM Shipping Johnny Plumbe and James Gundy
Johnny Plumbe has recently passed on the chief executive baton to James Gundy, who has been
with London-listed ACM for 18 years and has headed up its very large crude carrier desk. Plumbe
has not left the building though, and is now executive chairman, ensuring that his 37 years of
broking experience is still put to good use.
11. McQuilling Partners John Schmidt
Just a look at the US-headquartered McQuilling groups office locations hints at where the broking
services group sees growth opportunities its Singapore-based business has rapidly grown over the
last two years and four of its nine global offices are located in Central or South America, including
Caracas, Lima, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro.
12. Howe Robinson Daniel Lewis & Peter Kerr Dineen
Maintaining a low profile is dry bulk and container specialist Howe Robinson. Well known for their
boxship expertise and also knowledge in the grains market, this global company has a great
reputation.