Shipbroking is a part of the shipping industry. A shipbroker is the intermediary between a charterer, who owns the cargo, and a shipowner. Shipbrokers assist charterers and shipowners in negotiating the terms and conditions of the movement of cargo. Upon completion of the freight deal, the shipbroker will send out a recap (recapitulation) of what both parties have agreed. This is sometimes accompanied by a charter party.

Another type of shipbroking is sale & purchase ('S&P'), literally the buying and selling of existing or new ships (called 'newbuildings' in industry parlance). S&P brokers discuss opportunities and market trends with shipowners, report on sales, value vessels, calculate freight earnings, advise on finance and try to find ships for specific employment opportunities. When a ship is sold brokers usually negotiate on behalf of the buyer and seller on price and terms and also provide a route to resolving any disputes which might arise.

Larger shipbroking firms have separate departments specialising in Dry Cargo Chartering, Tanker Chartering, Sale & Purchase and sometimes also Demolition sales and Research. Major shipbroking centres include London, Piraeus, New York, Houston, Hamburg, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai.

Major Shipbroking houses include Clarksons, SSY, Braemar Seascope, Charles Weber, Gibsons, Galbraiths.

Shipbroking houses

Poten & Partners