Ship agency services is an industry commonly used in the world. However in Russia, it in its current form exists only about twenty years. Before 1991, agency services in the USSR were monopolized by the state.

Marine agent engages in complying with all formalities, processing documents, providing necessary port facilities and attendance, etc. The agent is, indeed, an expert of mediation.

Specific character of agents’ activity is under constant change due to strengthening or weakening of various factors threatening the ship or cargo which are activation of terrorists or pirates, hazard of radiation or other. All this influences the market of agency services for sea-going ships and cargoes.