Page 8 - Ferns Ship Supply Co - Company profile

HISTORY

The company's origins trace back to Jose Xavier Branco Fernandes,
who hailed from Goa Portuguese India, and served as Chief Purser
on a three-funnel troop carrier during World War I. His son, Henrique
Exaltaco Fernandes (Henry Ferns), born in Goa, later established
Ferns.

Henry’s journey took him from studying in Calcutta to working at the
High Court in Aden. With the onset of World War II, he moved to
Bombay and started as a Runner at J N Mukerjee, a ship handling
firm that later became Harren and Lee. On July 7th, 1946, he founded
Ferns Ships Supply Co., with his first ship, ‘San Antonio’.

With the support of Notraship, managing the Allied merchant fleet,
and Tidemand & Co India, overseeing the Norwegian fleet, Henry's
reputation for personalised service and high-quality goods
flourished. This success led to serving the entire Scandinavian and
British merchant fleets. After Norway's occupation, Leif Hoegh
launched the Hoegh Silver Line, forming a close relationship with
Henry. In 1952, through this partnership, Volkart Bros (later Forbes
Gokak Ltd.) was appointed as their Indian sub-agent for ships
husbandry needs.

Over the years, the family continued to play a significant role in
building the business with Henry-André, Daniel and Sheila
Fernandes holding key positions in the company.

Ferns continued to handle the full range of ship husbandry needs,
including customs clearance, crew sign-on/off, immigration, port
payments, and supplies, starting with the MV Hoegh Silversea
Stream. This trusted relationship extended to subsequent owners,
including Egon Oldendorff and Carnival Corporation. Ferns
prioritises long-term partnerships, growing together with our clients.

As cruise ships, dominated by Viking operators, began calling at
Indian ports, Ferns was already an established partner. Serving
these vessels has been a journey, consistently meeting the high
standards expected in the cruise industry.

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