Inchape Shipping Services has launched its US freight forwarding service following receipt of its Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license from the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). The license authorises Inchape to operate as an NVOCC in the United States, enabling it to issue House Bills of Lading, consolidate shipments, and negotiate directly with ocean carriers. Regional CEO Americas Irem Gokmen called the milestone a reflection of the company’s commitment to compliance, transparency, and service. Initial offerings include full-container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) solutions for shippers and other forwarders. Inchape previously entered freight forwarding via ISS Global Forwarding under Dubai government ownership in 2018, before being acquired by UK-based private equity firm Epiris in 2022.
Leading global port agency provider Inchape Shipping Services is moving into the US freight forwarding sector after receiving its Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license from the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).
FMC License Enables NVOCC Operations
The FMC license means Inchape can operate in the US as an NVOCC [non-vessel operating common carrier], allowing it to issue its own House Bills of Lading, consolidate shipments, and negotiate directly with ocean carriers to secure space and rates for shippers.
“Becoming an FMC-licensed NVOCC is a major milestone for Inchape Shipping Services and for the customers we serve,” said Irem Gokmen, regional CEO Americas of Inchape Shipping Services.
“This license reflects our commitment to operating at the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and service.
“With our NVOCC offering, we can give shippers more control, more flexibility, and more competitive options for moving cargo to and from the United States,” she added.
Initial Service Offerings
In the initial phase, Inchape will offer both full- and less-than-container load shipments to shippers as well as other forwarders.
Licensing Requirements and Trust Signal
Securing the OTI license, which is mandatory to issue Bills of Lading, involves a process that requires applicants to demonstrate financial responsibility, regulatory knowledge, and operational readiness.
“Our customers expect a partner they can rely on, especially when navigating the complexity of international ocean freight,” said Gerard Bradley, Director Americas Liner.
“Being FMC-licensed isn’t just a regulatory checkbox, it’s a signal of trust. We’re proud to bring that trust into a new chapter of service,” he added.
Ownership History and Strategic Evolution
It is not the first time the firm has flirted with the freight forwarding sector. In 2018 it was acquired by the Dubai government which launched ISS Global Forwarding out of it.
However, its ownership was transferred once again when it was bought by UK private equity platform Epiris in 2022.
Inchape CEO at that time, Frank Olsen, said: “This investment by Epiris represents a rejuvenation of the company, enabling us to build on our solid business foundation, accelerate benefit realisation and unlock significant upside potential.
“Inchape can now move forward with deployment of capital to realise its strategic goal to become an aggregated platform in the maritime services industry and thereby accelerate realisation of benefits for our customers,” he added.
Source: The Loadstar
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
