Stacked shipping containers lit at night

About Vanguard

Built on reliability.
Driven by progress.

For more than 25 years Vanguard has grown from a regional freight operator into an international cargo network trusted by manufacturers, traders and governments.

(01)Our story

From a regional fleet
to a global network.

Vanguard began in 1998 with a small regional cargo fleet and a simple promise: cargo arrives where it needs to be, when it needs to be there.

That promise took us across Europe’s major ports, then onto the trade lanes linking Europe with Asia and North America. Today our vessels, terminals and inland partners form one integrated logistics network — operated by people who know the sea, the quayside and the paperwork in equal measure.

We have grown by investing in safety, modern vessels and long-term customer relationships. Many of the businesses we moved cargo for in our first decade still ship with us today.

  • 1998

    Founded

  • 1,800+

    People worldwide

  • 11

    Operating hubs

Quayside cranes loading a container vessel
Operator applying a security seal to a container door

(02)History

Over two decades
of progress.

Key moments that shaped Vanguard into the network it is today.

  1. 1998

    01

    Vanguard founded

    Operations begin with a small regional cargo fleet.

  2. 2004

    02

    European expansion

    Vanguard establishes operations across several major European ports.

  3. 2010

    03

    International operations

    New routes connect Europe with Asia and North America.

  4. 2016

    04

    Fleet expansion

    Major investment introduces a new generation of larger, more efficient vessels.

  5. 2021

    05

    Global logistics network

    Vanguard expands beyond ocean freight into integrated logistics and port operations.

  6. Today

    06

    Moving global trade

    Vanguard operates across 40+ countries and more than 120 international routes.

(03)Our values

The principles behind
every voyage.

  • 01

    Reliability

    Cargo arrives where it needs to be, when it needs to be there.

  • 02

    Safety

    Rigorous operational standards protect people, vessels and cargo.

  • 03

    Efficiency

    Smarter routing and logistics reduce unnecessary time and complexity.

  • 04

    Partnership

    Long-term relationships sit at the centre of Vanguard’s operations.

Container ship bow lit at night, cutting through the sea

Ready to move
your cargo?

Tell us where your shipment needs to go and our logistics team will help plan the right solution.

Enquire About a Booking