Structured Text on the collaboration of Andrew Smith & Schultze Ltd and Fraserburgh Commercial Co Ltd

In 1883 the Fraserburgh Commercial Co Ltd started life as a coal and dry stores supplier to the herring fishing fleet which was operating out of Fraserburgh. The 18th century were halcyon years for the herring industry and for Fraserburgh Commercial in particular with coal, white fish and agricultural produce adding to the volume of traffic generated through the port.

Fraserburgh Commercial was central to that traffic. To this very day, the company remains actively involved in its grass roots trades of fishing and agriculture and, with these trades starting to show small signs of recovery after many years of economic decline, it was felt that in 2006 the time was right for a close collaboration partnership with Andrew Smith and Schultze from the neighboring port of Peterhead.

Andrew Smith and Schultze was formed in 1935 for very similar reasons – namely to service the indigenous trade of the growing fishing and farming port of Peterhead. Particular specialist skills have traditionally revolved around the grain and fertilizer trades and the company is very well known to the major European commodity traders and shippers. Even with the advent of oil bases in Peterhead, the company is perhaps best known for its role as the main provider of general cargo ships agency support in Peterhead to all manner of vessel owners and operators.

Whilst each company has its own and unique long proud histories, it’s no secret that the economic decline of the fishing and farming industries have harmed the Peterhead and Fraserburgh business communities. With the signs of a very small recovery on the horizon, an open and equal working partnership was formed in 2006 with Fraserburgh Commercial representing all commercial shipping and fish-related interests in Fraserburgh and Smith and Schultze doing likewise in Peterhead.

The modern age brings with it new challenges and new trades. The nearby St Fergus Gas Plant and Peterhead Power Station have both contributed to the local economy and both companies have served the shipping needs of each facility many times.