Cory Brothers Limited launches strategic partnership with European Cruise Service to strengthen port agency services in the UK and Ireland

As a part of VertomCory, a global port agency group, Cory Brothers delivers local knowledge and expertise to meet the demands of today’s shipping industry. As a trusted name in the maritime sector for over 180 years, the company has grown from its origins in Cardiff into a global ships’ agency with a presence across the UK, Europe, the USA, and the Asia-Pacific region. Cory Brothers ensures that vessels, crew, and cargoes are handled efficiently and reliably. Its diverse and comprehensive service portfolio spans port agency, husbandry, financial services, hub solutions, and freight forwarding, providing a fully integrated service under one roof.

For over two decades, European Cruise Service (ECS) has delivered shore excursion and ground handling services across the UK and Ireland. Responding to growing demand from cruise lines, this new collaboration broadens the range of services offered and enhances operational support for cruise operations. Drawing on more than 175 years of experience in Norway, the company is building Northern Europe’s leading cruise service provider for shore excursions and ship agency operations. Rather than relying on a loose network of partners, ECS’s strategy is to deliver high-quality local services through its own operations, supported by streamlined and efficient administrative processes.

“This partnership with European Cruise Service is a natural step forward for Cory Brothers, combining our long heritage with a shared vision for the future of cruise services in the UK and Ireland. Together, we are laying the foundations for lasting value for our cruise line partners, with momentum building towards the 2027 season and beyond,” says Peter Wilson, Managing Director of Cory Brothers.

“Our partnership with Cory Brothers enables us to further strengthen and expand our operations in the UK and Ireland, alongside our well-established presence in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Asia, and Southern Africa. With more than 350 years of combined expertise and comprehensive regional coverage, we remain committed to delivering outstanding service to both existing and future clients. Together, we aim to provide the cruise industry with a reliable, full-service solution and a trusted long-term partner,” says Andreas Storl, CEO of European Cruise Service Group.