We embrace the values and beliefs of what a traditional ship chandler should represent, at the same time remaining at the forefront when developing modern methods and procedures in how to best serve our customers to a standard at which they expect.
At Admiral Harding we’re very proud of our long established history and our links down the years with the Harding family.
Our company roots originated nearly 200 years ago by Sam Edward Harding, who started a butcher’s shop serving the community of Bristol. In the 1300s, Bristol was the second most important port in the country after London and in the 1870s, new docks were built on the Severn Estuary at Avonmouth and Portishead to accommodate larger ocean going ships.
Avonmouth expanded greatly throughout the 1900s and became the main center for the Port of Bristol. Because of this, there was a need to supply the many hundreds of ships that arrived each year and the business expanded into shipping supplies in 1930 with the formation of Harding Brothers Ltd. by Sam’s son, Percy Harding. The family connection continued with Percy’s son, Michael and today with Darren, Michael’s son.
In 2005 two of the UK’s longest established ship suppliers, Harding Brothers & Admiral Marine followed the trend affecting the global ship supply sector and merged their operations to form what is now Admiral Harding Ltd. Today the company employs over 120 people and has offices and warehouses throughout the UK.
Their continued growth has shown with their new company Harding Marine BV in Holland adding the buying strength with Admiral Marine Continental Services a long and established arm of Admiral Marine in Rotterdam.
