Port Professions Port Engineering (hydrography - civil engineering)
Each year more than 1600 ships call at the Port of Bordeaux. The port servicing for both ship and cargo, implies calling upon several service providers whether from the private or the public sector. Bordeaux there are more than 100 companies who constantly improve the quality of services by investing in the training of their staff as well as in better equipment.
RECEPTION OF SHIPS

Port officers in Bordeaux represent the Port Authority on all the terminals. They ensure the reception of ships, the allocation of their berths on the quays, control and monitor shipping and have the duty of policing the quays and storage areas. They also manage the new VTMS (Vessels Traffic Management System) that incorporates the latest technical innovations (image transfer, radar screen without echo parasites...). From the Harbourmasters Office located at Bassens, the port officers monitor shipping in the channel and on the roads as well as from the BXA landing buoy up to buoy 13, near Le Verdon.
. In that sector, in certain circumstances, they may authorise remote pilotage for certain vessels, which is then carried out from the Verdon station. A pilot using the VTMS monitors the ship’s path on his screen and advices and assists the ship by radio.
SHIPS AGENTS - CONSIGNEES
Their interventions cover all assistance operations to a ship throughout her call.
SHIP OWNERS AND SHIPPING COMPANIES
SHIP CHANDLERS - BUNKERING

Ship chandlers provide ships with food equipment and bunker fuel.
SHIP CHARTERERS

Acting on behalf of the shipper, he finds the ship ; acting on behalf of the shipowner, he finds the freight.
SHIP BROKERS
The ship broker carries out the administrative formalities on behalf of the ship masters, (customs clearance, marine report, etc...)
CUSTOMS

The co-operation that started in 1995 between the Bordeaux Interregional Direction of Customs and the Ports has enabled working conditions to be improved. In this regard the Customs administration supports and is accompanying the computerisation project for the processing of information on goods transiting through the Port. In addition companies now have access to all the Customs regulations and practical information provided by the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry via the Customs web site : http://www.douane.gouv.fr.
Furthermore, personalised information may be obtained through the Business Advice service of Bordeaux on : 33 (0)5 57 81 01 42.
BOATMEN
The boatmen carry out the mooring and unmooring of the ships’ lines on the quay.
HANDLING
The stevedoring company is responsible for all operations for loading or unloading cargo using sea transportation, including the operations of storing or removing cargo from the warehouses and storage areas.
PILOTAGE

The role of the pilot is to assist the master of a ship by providing him with local knowledge and experience to ensure the passage of the ship from the sea to Bordeaux and to carry out manœuvres with or without tugs, in the restricted zones surrounded by port facilities, in a minimum of time and under the best conditions of safety.
TOWAGE
SHIP REPAIRS
INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMPANIES
CONTROL COMPANIES – MARINE SURVEYORS
STORAGE (ACCORDING TO PRODUCTS)
FORWARDING AGENTS

They draw-up co-ordinate and organise cargo movements as well as carrying out all administrative and customs formalities.