Popularly known within Omani trading circles as “Haji Bhacker" the company is synonymous with shipping today. Established in 1895 by the late Abdullatiff, the company is essentially a family business named after his eldest son Bhacker. The present management is the third generation in the business chain acquiring it from the sons of Mr. Abdullatiff, Messrs. Bhacker and Ali. The company was set up as a trading house initially dealing in fire arms and pearls. Which later became a leading exporter of fish mainly to Germany and Holland.
Bristish lines operating then between Muscat and Europe had limited shipping space for cargo and the search for additional shipping opportunities resulted in contact with the German Hansa Line, who appointed the company as their agents in Muscat. This association in the 1920's introduced the company to shipping Until Port Sultan Qaboos became operational in 1974, ships used to anchor in Muttrah Bay for discharging/loading cargo and the lighterage was handled by the company on a more or less exclusive contract with the Government.
The know-how and experience accumulated in the course of the years, earned the company agencies of many other reputed International Shipping Lines. These include United Arab Shipping Company SAG, Kuwait, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Germany, Nedlloyd Lines, Rotterdam (Agents upto 1997), Hoegh Lines, Norway, The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd, Japan, Waterman Steamship Corporation, U.S.A., Wallenius Lines, Sweden (Agents upto 2003), Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Singapore.
In order meet the growing needs for related support services under one roof, the Company also began to offer the services such as Clearing & Forwarding, Transporting and Airfreight through its associate companies.
Today, Bhacker Haji is one of the oldest and leading shipping agencies in Oman, 100% owned and managed by Omani Directors and backed by efficient and experienced Omani/Expatriate Staff. The company is, in fact, the leader in the field with the rich experience and expertise acquired over a long period. It is capable of handling all types of vessels with speed and efficiency and is confident of meeting any challenges in future in the field of shipping.
Thanks to (late) Mr. Ahmed Ali Abdullatif son of Haji Ali Abdullatif, who was instrumental in equipping our Company with the most comprehensive and integrated computer systems, which cater to all agency functions including Disbursement & Financial Accounts, Logistic outputs, Marketing and Statistical reports etc. In fact, our company was the first shipping agency in Oman to go fully computerized way back in 1982 due to Mr.Ahmed's pioneering efforts. Mr. Ahmed with his wide knowledge and expertise in Shipping also spearheaded the Company's growth in a very big way for over 2 decades until his untimely demise in year 2002. Despite this irreparable loss, Bhacker continued to grow and flourish under the able Management of Mr. Mahmoud Ali Abdullatif (brother of Mr.Ahmed) under whose Inspiration and Management, Bhacker has reached new milestones. Due to Age and Personal commitments, Mr.Mahmoud retired from the day to day Management effective April 2011, and Mr. Saeed Ahmed (son of Mr.Ahmed Ali Abdullatif) took over as Managing Director effective May 2011. Mr.Mahmoud however, continues to offer his invaluable expertise and also oversees the Company in an advisory capacity as part of the Board of Directors.
The Company has been successfully serving the Omani trade and industry for many decades and celebrated its Centenary year in 1995 which was largely attended by local trade representatives, Principal’s Representatives and the shipping community in general.
By virtue of its constant pursuit of excellence and quality control, Bhacker Haji was accredited with the prestigious ISO 9001-2000 U.K. Certification in 2006, by BUREAU VERITAS. The certification has been upgraded over the years to the latest ISO 9001:2015 standard in 2018.