ABOUT THE COMPANY

Smith Bell first became involved in the shipping business in the mid-1800s. As the first shipping agency in the Philippines, it acted as general managers of Compañia Maritima, and initially represented a number of British steamship companies. Subsequently, it managed four inter-island steamers, as well as a fleet of launches and lighters. Around the same time, Smith Bell also became agents for the Asiatic Petroleum Company, which was to be later known as Shell.

In 1986, a joint venture company was formed with Dodwell & Company called Smith Bell Agency Corporation. After several years, both companies mutually decided to pursue separate paths. In 1991, Smith Bell created a wholly owned subsidiary, Smith Bell Shipping, Inc., to exclusively serve their clientele.

In 1995, Smith Bell Corp. went into a joint venture with Barwil Agencies AS. In 2008, Barwil was acquired by Wilh. Wilhelmsen Limited AS of Norway, thus becoming Wilhelmsen Smith Bell Shipping, Inc. Wilhelmsen is a well-known international shipping agency chain with over 120 offices worldwide. It is actively involved in international liner activities and is a leading operator of ro-ro tonnage. It is also engaged in tankers, bulk carriers, chemical carriers, car carriers, sale and purchase and bunker trading, ship management and operates a large fleet of crew boats.

Today, Wilhelmsen Smith Bell Shipping Inc. represents numerous foreign shipping principals, servicing a wide variety of ships such as reefers, container vessels, bulk carriers, gas carriers and petroleum tankers. WSBSI services its principals, both as owners and character agents, with all their requirements while their vessels/cargoes are in Philippine ports. It also offers freight forwarding, customs brokering, specialized cargo handling and chartering services. WSBSI's reputation as a reliable and trustworthy agent is exemplified in its many years in the business and is acknowledged by the shipping industry.

The company is proud to be servicing companies such as Petron, Caltex, Marubeni, Itochu, Nissho Iwai, Chemoil, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, Philippine Phosphate Corporation, National Power Corporation, Philippine National Oil Company, British Petroleum, BHP, Glencore, Coastal Petroleum, Unioil, Hinatuan Mining Corporation, Daiichi Chuo Kisen Kaisha, Lino Kaiun Kaisha, Ocean Tankers, Queensland Nickel Pty. Ltd., Mitsui Ltd., PT Tanito Harum, and PT Bahari Cakrawala, to mention a few. Given WSBSI's experience, expertise, market knowledge and business connections, together with a highly dedicated and efficient work force, the company is confident in meeting the many challenges the shipping industry poses. The group continuously strives to improve its service in order to maintain its position as one of the leading shipping agents in the Philippines.

Wilhelmsen-Smith Bell Shipping (Subic), INC

Originally, Smith Bell (Subic) Inc. was set up by Smith Bell Shipping, Inc. in 1994. The intention was to have a subsidiary company in Subic to directly extend their shipping services to vessels calling Subic Bay Freeport Zone. It was anticipated that the SBFZ would be an important shipping hub in the near future.

In 1995, Smith Bell Corp. sold 50% of its equity in Smith Bell (Subic), Inc. to Barwil Agencies AS and the company was renamed Barwil-Smith Bell (Subic), Inc. In 2008, Barwil was acquired by Wilh. Wilhelmsen Limited AS of Norway, thus changing the company name to Wilhelmsen Smith Bell Shipping (Subic), Inc. Wilhelmsen is a well-known international shipping agency chain with over 120 offices worldwide. It is actively involved in international liner activities and is a leading operator of ro-ro tonnage. It is also engaged in tankers, bulk carriers, chemical carriers, car carriers, sale and purchase and bunker trading, ship management and operates a large fleet of crew boats.

With the experience and backing of the Wilhelmsen organization, together with the expertise and local business connections of Smith Bell, the partnership has created an organization unmatched in the Philippine shipping industry. This has given rise to opportunities for further growth. Today, the company is actively involved in most areas of international and local maritime services catering to a varied clientele.