We take pride in offering shipowners and operators honest, valuable guidance and support throughout the market. Our goal is to deliver real value at every stage of every transaction.
"We exist to give shipowners and operators an independent voice in the market, with specialist knowledge that makes a real difference to every transaction."
ACL Shipbrokers is a UK-based independent brokerage specialising in the sale, purchase, and chartering of specialist vessels. We focus primarily on tugs, workboats, barges and associated craft; something that allows us to offer genuine depth of knowledge rather than broad generalism.
Founded on the principle that clients deserve straightforward, honest advice, we work as a true intermediary, representing your interests at every stage of a transaction. From initial search and valuation through negotiation and delivery, we are with you throughout.
Director & Senior Broker
Alec founded ACL in 2016, having identified the need for a more personalised broking service within the tug and workboat markets. With close to two decades of broking experience, Alec is known for his proactive and effective approach, influenced by his time spent in the military. In his spare time, Alec enjoys the great outdoors, sailing, walking and cycling with his family.
Shipbroker
Since joining ACL in 2022, David has helped expand ACL's offering, covering the workboat and barge market, with additional focus on vessel transportation. Outside of the office, David is studying for his Professional Qualifying examinations at the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, and is a keen hill walker and Bagpiper.
Shipbroker
Angus joined the team at ACL Shipbrokers in July 2025. With a background in consulting and military service, he brings operational discipline, strategic insight and additional depth to our global ship broking services.
Discover how we have supported shipowners, operators, and other clients worldwide with expert brokerage, reliable service, and technical understanding.
“You cannot do better than engaging the services of Alec and his team at ACL Shipbrokers. Their knowledge and number of contacts within the international workboat, tug and barge industry is second to none.”
“Alec and his team, over the past 5 years, have consistently proven themselves to be a reliable and effective support to the Leask Marine team. As our go to broker, we rely on their pragmatic, flexible and proactive approach, as well as their comprehensive worldwide network and understanding of the renewables, towage, and workboat sectors.”
“Coupled with professional conduct and prompt, accurate correspondence, ACL has a very broad understanding of technical aspects of the tug and workboat industry.”
“ACL is very knowledgeable about the international workboat market. We have worked with them on multiple occasions, including sale, purchase and charter transactions. They are transparent, trustworthy, and committed to drive a deal timely without loose ends.”
“Acquiring vessels is a complicated business; ACL are an invaluable support throughout the process. Their guidance, advice, professionalism and knowledge mean I couldn't recommend them more. We turned to ACL again this year and I am absolutely delighted with the outcome.”
“You cannot do better than engaging the services of Alec and his team at ACL Shipbrokers. Their knowledge and number of contacts within the international workboat, tug and barge industry is second to none.”
“Alec and his team, over the past 5 years, have consistently proven themselves to be a reliable and effective support to the Leask Marine team. As our go to broker, we rely on their pragmatic, flexible and proactive approach, as well as their comprehensive worldwide network and understanding of the renewables, towage, and workboat sectors.”
“Coupled with professional conduct and prompt, accurate correspondence, ACL has a very broad understanding of technical aspects of the tug and workboat industry.”
“ACL is very knowledgeable about the international workboat market. We have worked with them on multiple occasions, including sale, purchase and charter transactions. They are transparent, trustworthy, and committed to drive a deal timely without loose ends.”
“Acquiring vessels is a complicated business; ACL are an invaluable support throughout the process. Their guidance, advice, professionalism and knowledge mean I couldn't recommend them more. We turned to ACL again this year and I am absolutely delighted with the outcome.”
“You cannot do better than engaging the services of Alec and his team at ACL Shipbrokers. Their knowledge and number of contacts within the international workboat, tug and barge industry is second to none.”
“Alec and his team, over the past 5 years, have consistently proven themselves to be a reliable and effective support to the Leask Marine team. As our go to broker, we rely on their pragmatic, flexible and proactive approach, as well as their comprehensive worldwide network and understanding of the renewables, towage, and workboat sectors.”
“Coupled with professional conduct and prompt, accurate correspondence, ACL has a very broad understanding of technical aspects of the tug and workboat industry.”
“ACL is very knowledgeable about the international workboat market. We have worked with them on multiple occasions, including sale, purchase and charter transactions. They are transparent, trustworthy, and committed to drive a deal timely without loose ends.”
“Acquiring vessels is a complicated business; ACL are an invaluable support throughout the process. Their guidance, advice, professionalism and knowledge mean I couldn't recommend them more. We turned to ACL again this year and I am absolutely delighted with the outcome.”