Our History

Asociación de Navieros de Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico Shipping Association (PRSA) is a non-profit organization established in 1970, to facilitate the development and growth of the maritime industry in Puerto Rico.  The PRSA has grown to comprise a group of 26 companies dedicated to numerous sectors of the maritime industry such as shipping agents, terminal operators, shipping lines, vessel operators, charterers, tug and salvage companies, stevedoring companies, bunkering services, port authorities and others.

The primary purpose of the PRSA is to assist its members in the study and solution of common problems that directly or indirectly affect the maritime activity in the island.  In performing this role, the PRSA is involved in areas such as:

• The collective bargaining agreements with the unions that affect the ports of Puerto Rico
• Negotiations with the Pilots Associations including the maritime traffic control.
• Negotiations in tariffs, taxes and other duties imposed on the industry imposed by the Ports Authority, the Legislative Assembly, U. S. Government agencies and  agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico.
• Representation of its members in various forums and associations such as the Caribbean Shipping Association, Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, The Private Sector Coalition of Puerto Rico and other pertinent groups, congresses and organizations.

PRSA’s tasks have expanded to include the representation of its membership in various socio-political forums, as well as acting as a clearing house for numerous maritime-related initiatives.

It is directed by the Board of Directors:  Hernán F. Ayala Rubio, President, Eduardo Pagan, Vice President, Maria del Mar Rodriguez, Secretary, Clarivette Diaz Sosa, Treasurer, José O. Busto, Immediate Past President and Ramón Umpierre, Executive Director. There are a number of Permanent Committees that deal with current challenges and opportunities.

During the past several years, the association has focused on improving port productivity, reducing operating costs and maintaining the Port of San Juan as the premier cruise ship home port in the Caribbean.

The Puerto Rico Shipping Association is an active member of the PR Manufacturers Association, the PR Chamber of Commerce, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, The Private Sector Coalition of Puerto Rico, National Maritime Safety Association and the Caribbean Shipping Association.