Another Agent

I’m not sure about the whole world, but I’d bet every shipping agent in our region (Azov, Black Sea, Eastern Mediterranean) knows this legendary hero — a true bête noire of the industry...

[pic unrelated. A Turkish vessel unmooring at Odessa port]

Another Agent is the star of an ancient tale that circulates among shipping folk, especially operation managers in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, and Arab countries like Egypt and Syria. In short, he’s a magical figure, far more powerful than a Cin, the Turkish Jinn.

Nobody has ever seen him in person, yet every shipowner will swear he’s real. For example:

...You might offer the cheapest proforma D/A ever, even working at a loss, but Another Agent’s will always be, say, 500 bucks cheaper. Trust me, it’s a fact.

...Whatever task you’re asked to handle, no matter who’s asking or what’s involved — Another Agent has already done it faster, cheaper, and better. And he’s ready to do it again. Always.

Another Agent commands endless resources: unlimited staff, a vast car pool, infinite spare time, and unmatched influence over every port authority. He can have a vessel berthed on arrival, the crew changed, sick seamen treated, ship’s spares cleared and delivered, cash handed to the master, provisions and fresh water supplied, bunkering arranged with MGO, IFO, and lube oil, and cargo operations completed in record time, PSC issues settled smoothly, several «17»s and «30»s luckily rectified, vessel re-flagged, Register inspections conducted, overtime avoided, bribes rejected, claims dismissed, NOR accepted antedated, most favourable SOF prepared. All this in just a few hours, with no advance notice, and at a fraction of the cost you’d expect — sometimes even free, just to help a struggling shipowner out of pure kindness. Payments? No need for bank transfers or SWIFT copies; a handshake will do. Credit? Unlimited, with no reminders, no legal hassles, no detentions. Ever.

Port authorities demand prepayment of the disbursement before a vessel sails? No issue for Another Agent. He’ll happily cover all dues from his own pocket, even for new partners he’s never worked with before.

Dear shipping agents, you can toil for years, building a company with flawless, client-focused service. You can exceed every expectation, but rest assured: Another Agent will always be one step ahead. Just accept it.