Naval and government vessels
Discreet, complete support for naval and government vessel calls at Madeira’s ports.
JFM Shipping handles naval and government vessel calls at Funchal, Caniçal and Porto Santo, coordinating protocol, security liaison, logistics and supply for visiting navies, coast guards, training ships and research vessels. We have served naval calls in Madeira since the founding of the company in 1888, and we treat every call with the discretion it requires.
What a naval call requires
A naval call is not a commercial call with a flag. Clearance follows government-to-government channels and the agent’s role is to execute locally, cleanly and without friction. That means coordination with the Capitania do Porto do Funchal, the port authority and regional government, a berth plan that accounts for security requirements, and a single point of contact who is reachable at any hour of the call.
Protocol and official visits
Official visits on board, receptions, liaison with regional government and military command, press arrangements where they are wanted and privacy where they are not. Ceremonial requirements are planned in advance and confirmed with the command before arrival.
Security liaison
ISPS coordination with the port facility, quayside perimeter arrangements, controlled access to the berth, and liaison with local authorities on security matters. Specific arrangements are agreed directly with the command and are never discussed publicly.
Logistics and supply
Ground transport for crew and officers, coaches for liberty parties, cars and drivers for command and protocol movements, airport transfers for crew changes. Ship’s supplies and provisions to specification, bonded stores, technical stores and spares clearance, fresh water, bunkering coordination, laundry, waste and MARPOL disposal, medical appointments and pharmacy runs, cash to master, mail and courier, telecoms and connectivity support. Whatever the ship and the crew need ashore, arranged and accounted for through a single point of contact.
Ground transport and shore programmes are delivered through our sister company DMC Madeira, which gives us direct control over vehicles, guides and capacity rather than depending on third-party availability.
Crew welfare and liberty
Madeira is a good port for a crew. Funchal is safe, walkable and welcoming, and a call here is often the best liberty of a deployment. We arrange transport, sports fixtures against local clubs, tours for off-duty personnel, medical appointments, and immigration formalities for non-Schengen crew where these apply.
Working with husbanding contractors
We work with all major international husbanding contractors serving NATO and allied navies, without exclusivity to any. Whichever prime holds the contract, JFM Shipping can be appointed as local agent in Madeira. We are equally available for direct appointment by naval commands and government agencies.
Compliance and accountability
JFM Shipping has been ISO 9001 certified since 2002, the first shipping agency in Madeira to achieve it, audited by Bureau Veritas. Documentation and invoicing are prepared to withstand government procurement scrutiny, with itemised accounts and supporting evidence for every disbursement. We maintain a strict anti-bribery and anti-corruption position: no facilitation payments, no exceptions, in any port we operate.
Discretion
Movements, dates, security arrangements and the identity of vessels are not published, discussed or used in our marketing. This page describes what we do, not who we do it for.
Frequently asked questions
Do you handle naval port calls in Madeira?
Yes. JFM Shipping acts as local agent for naval and government vessel calls at Funchal, Caniçal and Porto Santo, covering protocol, security liaison, logistics, supply and crew welfare. We are available for appointment directly or through husbanding contractors.
Can you coordinate berth security for a naval visit?
Yes. We coordinate ISPS requirements with the port facility, quayside access control and liaison with local authorities. Specific arrangements are agreed with the command and are not discussed publicly.
Do you support foreign training ships and research vessels?
Yes. Naval training ships, coast guard vessels and government research vessels are handled with the same protocol, logistics and welfare support as any naval call.
Contact
A single senior point of contact, available 24 hours a day for the duration of the call.