S5 Agency World is the fastest growing international port agency in the world. The company’s expansion in this competitive marketplace has been built on reputation and the ability to tailor its process-driven products to meet the specific and evolving requirements of its clients. Global Sales Manager Captain George Tsouris explained more to Hannah Barnett.
Based in London, S5 Agency World is a port agency provider. It was formed in 2004, but has origins rooted as far back as the 18th century. As a result, the company offers more than 250 years of industry experience.
“Through close cooperation with our existing client base, our approach has always been to look for new ways to create value in our services, which sets us apart from other providers,” said Captain George Tsouris, Global Sales Manager. “We have invested heavily in a robust global hub structure to ensure first-rate service, delivery, continuity and a 24/7 operation through one common IT platform.
“As a testimony to the success of our management structure, we are proud to continuously exceeded the expectations of our client’s by regularly surpassing our agreed KPI targets.”
A company overview
S5 has a large regional presence in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. “Our integrated
structure combines the benefits of an internationally partnered management team with unsurpassed local operational control, diligence and experience,” Captain Tsouris said.
The company has grown to serve more than 85,000 port calls and 87,000 crew changes per year, seamlessly delivered from over 360 owned port offices. At the same time, the team has also increased to more than 2,700 personnel.
S5 is focused on delivering five key areas of value: internal efficiency, improved voyage return, improved cash flow, real business intelligence and integration.
Internal efficiency is achieved through simplified processes tailored to a client’s specific needs. Voyage expenses are reduced by a tactical approach to cost management; S5 has created a Strategic Vendor Management team in order to translate local knowledge into international delivery.
Improved cash-flow involves consolidated funding and billing in a single currency via the S5 Global Financial Hub. This results in a
dramatic reduction in the number of financial transactions required and makes final reconciliation smoother and easier.
Business intelligence refers to a fast web-based tool, which gives the ability to use the S5 database to retrieve management information and facilitate tactical, as well as strategic, decision making. It provides a window into operational and financial data and clients have found it particularly helpful in preparing cost management programs.
The human element
Alongside its business targets and strategies, S5 is keen to ensure a high level of focus is placed on the human element of shipping. This includes cultivating a close partnership with shore-based staff to develop customised solutions which support the day-to-day activities of the company.
“Working with the crew starts with the smooth coordination of services while the vessel is in port,” said Captain Tsouris. “We cooperate with the senior crew, as well as with the local authorities and terminals.
This ensures the safe transfer of personnel during crew changes and medical visits. These include, but are not limited to, any additional personal needs which may arise for a crew member while in port. Everything we do is in close liaison with the master of the vessel.”
The business is ISO-certified, part of which means it provides centralised processes, including an account management model focused on client needs. The system combines localised port expertise with standardised, worldwide oversight and knowledge. S5 also offers single points of contact, available 24/7.
This high level of service is further supported by forward-thinking digital solutions, such as the company’s stateof-the-art operation system Simply5.
An industry-leading piece of software, Simply5 streamlines communications to achieve transparent information on operations and financial activities.
“Simply5 provides value by giving clients real-time information,” Captain Tsouris explained. “We also integrate
S5’s systems to ensure we minimise manual entry and allow the clients to focus on their key responsibilities. We can also provide monthly reporting and data analytics, which allows our clients to make more informed decisions.”
Sustainable shipping
Alongside integrity, service and innovation, sustainability is one of S5’s four core values. As part of the maritime sector, the
company is well aware of its responsibility to play a part in the decarbonisation of the industry. S5 is aiming to reach net zero by 2050.
The company maintains a two-way environmental strategy, encompassing both its own footprint reduction and supporting clients and suppliers in reaching their sustainability goals.
S5 has identified the most important ESG factors to demonstrate its commitment to
making improvements in these areas wherever possible. For example, the company is involved in GHG emissions data collection across all its locations, encompassing scopes 1, 2 and 3.
“S5’s focus has always been on how we can reduce our footprint on the world and help our clients to achieve the same,”
Captain Tsouris explained. “This started with a reduction in single-use plastics and packaging, as well as ensuring that we partner with like-minded port vendors to reduce emissions where possible.”
The company further supports clients to ensure the smoothest coordination of services when they arrive to a port. “This starts with just-in-time arrival, when possible, to optimise vessel speed and allow our clients to slow steam, saving fuel and emissions,” said Captain Tsouris. “It is also important to optimise the turnaround time in port and reduce unnecessary transport.”
In addition, S5 has been at the forefront of working with clients on alternative fuel sources and the company is actively involved in areas such as LPG, LNG and
methanol bunkering. The company is also working on carbon capture projects to return stored carbon back to the wells from which it was originally drilled.
“S5’s partnerships are rooted in our sustainable ethos and reflected across our solutions,” said Captain Tsouris. “We collaborate exclusively with like-minded partners that share our commitment to ecological stewardship, social welfare and ethics. The values of integrity, service, innovation and sustainability shape trusted, transparent and reliable long-term supplier relationships.”
Though not directly employing seafarers, S5 works hand-in-hand with leading crew managers globally to elevate crew safety, welfare and efficient movement through solutions tailored to manager and seafarer needs.
“As a key player in the shipping industry worldwide, we consider it a duty to provide the highest standards of services to all existing and potential clients,” Captain Tsouris concluded. “The work we do is always based on the principals of the past fulfilling the needs of the present and looking forward to the trends of the future.” n
