Inchcape Shipping Services has announced several recent country expansions. The global maritime services provider has launched new operations in Saudi Arabia, by way of a joint-venture agreement with the locally based Al Bakri Group. The initiative will provide customers with marine, cargo, government, survey and liner-agency services. All are supported by ISS's global network, systems, infrastructure and operating procedures. ISS Saudi Arabia will also operate launch services off Rastanura. Headquartered in Jeddah, the venture has additional offices in Yanbu, Rabigh, Jubail, Ras Al Khafji and Dammam. ISS also plans a new office in Bangkok, Thailand, scheduled to open on March 1, serving all major ports in the country. The opening, with newly recruited management and staff, follows the ending of a franchise agreement between ISS and ISS Thorsen Agencies. ISS further announced the opening of its first office in Venezuela, part of a South American expansion strategy. ISS has worked in Venezuela for a number of years through qualified subagents. Based in Puerto La Cruz, the new office will serve the tanker, offshore and liner sectors, as well as Venezuela's growing cruise business. ISS has more than 260 proprietary offices in 63 countries.
