Shipping Services
Each year, the World Food Programme (WFP) Logistics transports millions of tons of humanitarian aid to beneficiaries all over the world. The vast majority of that aid is transported by sea. On any given day, the Ocean Transportation Service (OMLS) will have 30 ships on the high seas, carrying crucial foodstuffs for distribution in 82 countries worldwide. Having such a large number of vessels at sea at any one time allows WFP to reroute cargoes to unexpected emergencies when required.
Working through a panel of shipbrokers and freight forwarders appointed by WFP, the Ocean Transportation Service arranges all ocean transport related to WFP shipments of food assistance. This requires detailed planning and coordination in order to make decisions as to when and how to consolidate cargoes, and to choose the most appropriate shipping mode (charter or liner) based on realistic cost analyses.
The Ocean Transportation Service moves cargoes from 60 load ports to 75 discharge ports across 
five continents. In 2008, it moved 1.9 million metric tons of cargo around the world with a freight value of more than USD 220 million. In addition, it has responsibility for establishing all policies, guidelines and procedures related to ocean transport.