In this day and age, the maritime sector is a hugely important industry. From the transportation of crucial medical supplies to ship management solutions, there are a huge number of important services and solutions supported by the marine industry that contribute to the global economy, says Europa.
With the marine sector busy spinning the wheels of the economy and ensuring global stability (source), you may be wondering who’s supplying the marine sector itself. A crucial cog within the well-oiled maritime machine, a marine supply store ensures vessels across the sector are well-equipped with the supplies they require to function properly, as well as maintain the mental and physical wellbeing of the crews on board those vessels.
So what is a marine supply store, and why are they important?
What is a marine supply store?
As the name would suggest, a marine supply store covers the supply needs of any type of vessel or ship. This includes the procurement of fresh water and medicines, as well as safety products, stationery, kitchenware and other important supplies.
While the concept seems simple enough, providing the maritime sector with adequate supplies on a global scale is actually a highly complicated, yet crucial operational component within the marine sector.
What does a marine store supply?
Marine stores provide a variety of different supplies to the maritime industry.
Galley and accommodation cleaning materials – As the name itself suggests, galley and accommodation cleaning materials are provided for the purpose of maintaining cleanliness on the vessel.
- Crew welfare and safety products – The safety of seafarers is a crucial component of maintaining operational continuity and crew welfare on the vessel. A marine store is responsible for providing the supplies onboard that ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers, as well as safety equipment.
- Onboard drinking water solutions – One important component of a vessel’s supplies is drinking water for both seafarers and any passengers on board. In this day and age, where sustainability and the environment are hugely topical, many marine supply stores are also supplying reusable stainless steel water bottles.
- Galley and cabin stores – Marine stores are also responsible for supplying cabins and galleys with the equipment and resources they require.
- Slop chest stores – A slop chest acts almost as a canteen for seafarers and supplies personal items such as clothing, boots and tobacco to the crew onboard a ship. Marine supply stores are responsible for ensuring a slop chest is properly kitted out.
- Cloth and linen products – As the name would suggest, marine stores are also responsible for supplying cloth, linen and other materials to a vessel.
- Tableware and kitchenware – Ensuring seafarers are well-nourished with healthy, regular meals is just one component of crew welfare. A marine supply store can provide the utensils and kitchenware necessary to prepare meals at sea.
- Cleaning and laundry products – Arguably, cleaning and laundry products are just as important as food and medical supplies on board a vessel. A marine supply store can provide these products to a crew which can improve both their mental and physical wellbeing onboard.
- Stationary – Contrary to popular belief, not everything is digital these days. A marine supply store can provide stationary to crews and passengers alike, with products such as pens, pencils and paper readily available.
- Deck and engine stores – From brushes and mats to ropes and navigation equipment, deck and engine stores are supplies specifically for the deck and engine of a vessel, hence the name. A marine store can supply these specialist products, which ensure operational continuity on a vessel, and maintain its physical infrastructure and assets.
- Safety and P.P.E. stores – Just like food and medical supplies, safety and P.P.E are of paramount importance on board a vessel. A marine store can supply safety equipment, ensuring your crew is kept physically fit and healthy at sea and decreasing the likelihood of a serious accident. This is especially important on board a working vessel, such as a cargo ship, bulk carrier or gas carrier, where machinery and other infrastructure can pose a risk of injury if not properly maintained or managed.
Other supplies can also be sourced for clients such as specialist safety equipment, chemicals and gas detectors. At the end of the day, the supplies a marine store provides will come down to the unique specifications of a vessel or fleet.
Why is a marine supply store important?
While the process of supplying vessels, boats and ships with supplies is a highly complicated process, knowing why marine supply stores are a crucial component within the marine sector harbours a pretty simple explanation – the marine sector needs supplies to function correctly and to a high standard. Essentially, marine supply stores inherently contribute to business continuity within the maritime sector, as well as ensure crew welfare is kept to an adequate standard.
Crew welfare
It goes without saying that a poorly cared for crew without access to clean water or adequate medical supplies can have a hugely detrimental impact on the physical infrastructure of a vessel, not to mention increase the risk of accident or injury. Marine supply stores are an important component within the marine sector for this exact reason – in a nutshell, marine stores ensure the sector has access to sufficient supplies, and that seafarers are being properly cared for when working onboard.
These supplies include clean water, linens, kitchenware, stationery and safety products such as PPE (personal protective equipment).
Final thoughts
From the transportation of crucial medical supplies to ship management solutions, there are a variety of important marine-centric services that contribute to the global economy. With the marine industry playing such a crucial role within global supply chains, you may be wondering who is supplying such as important sector. A marine supply store ensures vessels, boats and ships across the sector are well-equipped with the supplies they require to maintain operational continuity, as well as maintain the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers and crews alike. Poorly cared for seafarers without access to clean water or the adequate supplies they require can increase the risk of accident or injury, not to mention have a devasting impact on the infrastructure of a ship.
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