Our Story

A Legacy of Maritime Expertise 

SPI Marine’s history spans more than four decades of shipbroking and logistics expertise. From its early foundations in traditional maritime brokerage to its role today in specialty cargo logistics and ISO tank container solutions, the company has continuously evolved to meet the demands of a changing global market. 

March 1, 1986

Founding of Sound Tanker Chartering and Entry into Tanker Shipbroking 

STCI is founded in South Norwalk, Connecticut by Jeff Mavelli and two colleagues who exited a New York tanker brokerage. The firm quickly establishes its presence in the tanker chartering market, strengthened by an early merger with Fleets Cove Chartering, then growing organically hiring two key young brokers in year two and year five, Tom Wimmer and Tom Robbins now senior partners in the firm

September 8, 1996

Launch of Panasia Marine in Asia 

With cargo support from BP Chemicals, and Mobil Shipping & Transportation, STCI, with JO Plowright and Aries Maritime partnered with Panasia Marine (HK) , an established Dry and Container presence of the Ahrenkiel Group, and transition their HK employee and sole liquid broker Mike Kardel to the new joint company, Panasia Marine Ltd., established in Singapore. Mike was soon joined by Graeme Finley, who on Mike’s retirement succeeded him as Md of Asia.  

May 15, 1998

Expansion into the U.S. Gulf with Houston Office 

As U.S. chartering activity grows, STCI opens L+R Sound in Houston office, partnering with L+R Midland, positioning the company at the center

April 4, 2006

Expansion of U.S. Operations and Market Presence 

Amicably separating from L+R Midland,The group strengthens its footprint in the United States, creating an independent presence in Houston 

April 4, 2006

Entry into the Middle East with Sohar Office Launch 

Following the award of Oman Methanol Company’s business, SPI establishes operations in Sohar. Peter Wakely joins to lead the office, supporting the project ahead of its 2007 startup. 

June 16, 2007

Expansion into the Middle East Market 

With the Sohar office operational, the group secures its presence in the Middle East, expanding its capabilities in project-based and regional shipping markets. 

November 6, 2011

Formation of SPI Marine Ltd. 

With STCI being the Panasia parent with a cargo portfolio, lines of business and clients in common, the two entities consolidated their marketing, information, operational systems and client cooperation under one umbrella, with a re-branding of both entities to SPI Marine Ltd, with SPI Marine offices in Asia and the USA.

April 2, 2014

Expansion into Europe with UK Office Launch 

SPI Marine establishes its UK presence with the opening of its European office. The business expands into logistics and commodity solutions, enabling broader end-to-end service offerings across the region. 

April 2, 2014

Launch of MPLA Joint Venture and Expansion into Logistics 

SPI forms Manuport Logistics Asia in partnership with Manuport Logistics NV. Operating from Singapore, MPLA delivers freight forwarding and logistics solutions, marking a strategic move beyond traditional shipbroking. 

April 1, 2022

Expansion of Containerized Services in Europe 

SPI Marine expands its containerized logistics capabilities in the Netherlands, strengthening its position in ISO tank and bulk liquid transportation across Europe. 

April 1, 2023

Launch of CKB Fleet and Expansion into Data Analytics 

SPI Marine launches CKB Fleet as a standalone data and analytics platform, providing detailed insights into the global chemical tanker fleet and reinforcing its investment in data-driven decision making.