ISS is committed to delivering a range of quality-assured marine services to its clients across the industry. We take care to tailor those services to the individual needs of the client – whether a fully integrated global package, the handling of a local port call or the ad hoc delivery of a single spare part.

To reach the highest standards we depend on our people - their welfare, training and expertise. We foster strong ethical values and a team spirit that rewards commitment and initiative. By committing to excellence, accountability and transparency, ISS can best serve its valued customers – efficiently and competitively. And in our race for excellence, there is no finish line!

Early origins

The early development of ISS mirrors the early development of the Inchcape Group which traces its origins back to 1847 when two Scotsmen met in Calcutta. William Mackinnon and Robert Mackenzie, two merchants from Campbeltown, formed a general merchanting partnership, Mackinnon Mackenzie & Company (MMC).

Realizing the benefits of combining trading with ocean transport, the business expanded and diversified. In 1856, Mackinnon at age 34, founded the Calcutta & Burmah Steam Navigation Company (C&B) and secured from the East India Company the contract for carrying the mails between Calcutta and Rangoon. Further, he incorporated the company in London with a capital of £35,000, of which MMC invested £7,000, becoming agents for the new shipping line.

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