Corporate History

Inco Ships was formed in 1985 to build the vessel 'Sandra Marie' at Carrington Slipway, NSW for a long term charter to Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). 

In 1996 ship management was added to the list of services offered following the acquisition of the shipping activities of Howard Smith Industries. Starting with one wholly owned and three managed vessels, the company has achieved steady growth since. 

In 2012, with three offices, twenty-two shore staff and two hundred and thirty seagoing positions, the company is a far cry from its humble beginnings in 1996. 

One notable feature of the company's history is the average length of time that vessels spend under Inco Ships management. Long lasting relationships with owners such as Canadian Steamship Lines, Australian National Line, Adelaide Brighton Cement, Elders, Alcoa and Mainstream Shipping means vessels coming into management generally stay for the long term.     

In 2010 the company was awarded a long-term Contract of Afreightment by Nyrstar for the carriage of concentrate cargoes. 'HR Endeavour' (2004) was sourced specifically for the contract and a fleet replacement program was begun with the sale of 'Ikuna'.  

In 2011 Inco Ships was awarded the long-term management of 'Torrens' by owners Vroon. Both Vroon and Inco Ships are family owned shipping companies with much in common and we are confident that this relationship will be long lasting and mutually beneficial.   

Inco Ships remains privately owned by the Cadwallader family.