OUR HISTORY

Founded in 1977 by our CEO, Mr. George Sloukgi, Pelican International Services was established in Lebanon as a maritime services and shipping agency company. Since inception, Pelican has played a pivotal role in supporting Lebanon’s port and shipping ecosystem with integrity, expertise, and long-standing industry relationships.

Over the decades, we have built a strong presence across all Lebanese ports, handling conventional vessels, specialized cargo, tanker contracts, and selected container activities. Our network has connected Lebanon to key trade lanes across the UK, the North Continent, the Baltic, and the wider East Mediterranean, contributing to the steady flow of essential commodities and strategic cargo.

During Lebanon’s reconstruction and periods of economic growth, Pelican was entrusted with significant volumes of steel, ductile iron pipes, project cargo, wood pulp, paper reels, and other critical materials reinforcing our position as a trusted market leader in complex and high-volume trades.

Today, Pelican operates as a comprehensive maritime services partner, combining operational excellence with direct management involvement. Every mandate receives hands-on oversight, ensuring responsiveness, precision, and seamless execution. Our experienced team remains committed to delivering reliable, efficient, and solution-oriented services upholding a legacy built on trust and performance for nearly five decades.

Main Activities as Shipping Agents

  • Port agency representation for owners, charterers, and operators
  • Pre-arrival planning and coordination with port authorities and terminals
  • Berth booking and vessel scheduling
  • Handling all port formalities and documentation
  • Liaison with customs, immigration, harbor master, and other authorities
  • Cargo operations supervision (loading / discharging)
  • Coordination with stevedores, surveyors, and terminal operators
  • Husbandry services (crew changes, visas, medical assistance, provisions, bunkers, spares delivery)
  • Protective agency services
  • Owners’ and charterers’ disbursement account management and financial reporting
  • Claims handling and incident coordination
  • Project cargo and breakbulk operations support
  • Tanker call coordination and operational follow-up
  • Real-time operational reporting and voyage updates
  • Official representatives authorized to issue ECTN certificates for shipments bound to the majority of West African destinations.

  • Fully licensed agency operating at Beirut and all Lebanese ports
  • Prompt, dependable, and high-quality support throughout every vessel’s port stay
  • Long-standing relationships with Port Authorities, Customs, and key local stakeholders
  • Customized solutions for conventional, specialized, and project cargoes
  • Reliable global reach through a trusted international network of partners
  • Advanced IT systems ensuring efficient information flow and real-time communication
  • Highly experienced, well-trained, and dedicated operations team available at all times
  • Modern headquarters strategically located near Beirut Port, in the heart of vibrant Gemmayzeh – Saifi Tower

OUR CULTURE

Vision:

To establish Pelican International Services as a leading maritime agency in Lebanon and a recognized regional player delivering end-to-end shipping solutions across conventional, containerized, and specialized trades.

We strive to be the partner of choice for major ports, principal operators, and transit movements, setting the benchmark for reliability, operational excellence, and comprehensive maritime coverage.

Mission

To deliver comprehensive, high-performance maritime agency services that protect our clients’ interests and ensure seamless vessel and cargo operations across Lebanese ports and beyond.

We are committed to operational excellence, proactive management, and solution-driven execution across conventional, containerized, and specialized trades.
Through strong partnerships, regional connectivity, and continuous innovation, we support evolving trade flows while building enduring relationships grounded in trust and accountability.

At the heart of our mission is a dedicated team empowered to perform, grow, and uphold the standards that define Pelican’s legacy.

Integrity
We act with honesty, fairness, and ethical responsibility in every interaction.

Accountability
We take ownership of every mandate, ensuring precision, transparency, and measurable results.

Operational Excellence
We pursue efficiency, accuracy, and high standards in every port call and every transaction.

Reliability
We deliver consistently, earning trust through performance not promises.

Partnership
We cultivate long-term relationships based on mutual respect, collaboration, and shared success.

Agility
We adapt proactively to industry shifts, market demands, and evolving maritime landscapes.

People First
We invest in talent, foster growth, and promote a culture of professionalism and respect.

In 2013, Pelship Offshore S.A.L., our sister company, was established in Lebanon under CRB No. 1806890 as the international arm of the Pelican Group. The name Pelship pays tribute to Pelican International Services and its enduring legacy of trust and excellence, carrying that same spirit forward as we expand our global maritime footprint.

Pelship Offshore was created to extend our capabilities beyond Lebanese ports, driving cross-trade and offshore activities while managing global shipment coordination and waiver issuance across multiple jurisdictions. It marks our evolution from a national shipping agency to a fully integrated maritime services platform with international reach.

Through Pelship, clients enjoy a centralized, streamlined structure: a single strategic point of contact, one payment channel, and simplified processes across diverse destinations.

Pelship Offshore embodies our forward-looking vision expanding globally while upholding the operational discipline, reliability, and responsiveness that have defined the Pelican Group for decades.