More than just a ship chandler: helping the industry on-site
The leading marine supplier at the Panama Canal, Mercansa, is consolidating its position as the Canal’s top vessel provider for the shipping “mobile industry” that daily transits through this Central American country.
For more than 40 years in the shipchandling business, the company has understood that a ship is not just a ship, but a mobile industry; therefore it decided to expand its operations and offer a wider range of services and products, such as a great variety of deck, engine, cabin and electrical materials. In addition, Mercansa services marine safety equipments also.
Immediate Delivery as a competitive advantage
The value added to the product warehousing is that it is available immediately.
The Panama Canal expansion programmed for 2014 will broaden the already largest focal point of the shipping industry in Latin America, and for the 144 maritime routes that pass through the Canal’s infrastructure; it is a key market to offer this type of service.
For example, if a vessel is passing through the Canal and suddenly realizes they are running low on any supplies, they can just purchase immediately in Panama and proceed towards its destination without delay. The vessels just have to place an order with Mercansa and then, coordinate specific dates and times to receive their replenishment order.
Recently, the company offers its delivery service to Latin America, because of the Panama Canal’s strategic position with access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allows them to offer time savings and minimum processes to meet vessel’s deadlines.
Currently, Mercansa handles over 4.500 articles in more than 7.000 square meters in their Colón Free Zone warehouse, including marine fire, rescue and safety products. Mercansa also keeps a large inventory of both mooring ropes and wire ropes for immediate delivery. Colon Free Zone is in a position to offer marine supplies to the whole Latin American region. The company also counts with a branch in the Caribbean, a modern setting of liferaft and rescue boat service station. Vessels can buy safety products and obtain inspection by qualified and experienced technicians there.
Expanding expertise
In 2006, Mercansa began its regional expansion in the Dominican Republic and open its doors to Latin America with its central operations presence in the Panama Canal where more than 12,000 vessels of regional and global shipping lines pass through every year.
The company has representation of various brands, such as Lalizas, Kidde, Kylin, Trelawny, Koronakis, Draeger Safety, Molyslip, DBC, McMurdo, DSB, Zodiac, Fujikura, Mitsubishi, Strike First, just to name a few.
Latest technology and better service
As for the sales and purchases processes, Mercansa uses the latest software technology available with a touch of traditional philosophy. The company uses SAP, SHIPSERV, QNX and iOS. But technology is not all, because Mercansa would not be what it is if it wasn’t for its permanent direct contact with its clients. Mercansa group meets personally with their clients to make sure all their needs are being met and work on feedback to improve customer service.
About Mercansa
Mercantile Shipstores S.A, known as MERCANSA, started as a ship chandler at the Panama Canal with the purpose of fulfilling seagoing vessels’ requirements through a combination of high quality standard products and first class service collectively with honesty and respect.
Mercansa is a member of the International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA), Panama Maritime Chamber, Panama Chamber of Commerce and American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama.
By MundoMaritimo
