History

1845

William Schaw Lindsay, a Master Mariner, established his shipbroking business in London.

1869

James Galbraiths joined the business, which expanded into owning ships and managing famous lines including the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, Albion Line and The British & Burmese Steam Navigation Company.

1968

Galbraiths Pembroke & Co became part of the Matthews Wrightson Group having sold its last vessel in 1952.

1970

The industry-leading Galbraiths’ Shipping Course was founded, establishing a mainstay of shipping education with a global alumni network.

2014

A management buy-out saw the newly named Galbraiths refocus on chartering and S&P activities. Over the subsequent decades, it evolved into a market-leading tanker brokerage with a highly respected Sale & Purchase business, expanding globally across three continents and growing to over 100 employees.

1977

The company was founded in Lausanne, Switzerland, by Ricardo Ravano, building on the family’s Genoese ship owning business legacy from the late 1940s.

1980s

Various partners joined Riccardo Ravano, remaining with him for decades, building IFCHOR into one of the market’s most competitive dry bulk shipbrokers.

1990s

Company adds Capesize services

2010s

Research & Advisory services launched and expanded globally, opening offices on four continents.

2020s

Further worldwide office expansion, introduction of Sustainability and Offshore Renewables services, and enhancement of Research & Advisory capabilities.

2022

Merging in 2022, IFCHOR and Galbraiths formed IFCHOR GALBRAITHS, a global shipbroking advisory force with about 300 professionals, offering chartering, sale & purchase, segment-specific insights, and sustainable solutions. Beyond core shipbroking, we promote industry knowledge through the IG Shipping Course and the IG Talent Programme. Strategically positioned with over 25 offices worldwide, IG serves clients globally with straightforward, honest, and personalised guidance.