About Us

King & Sons A Division of Grindrod Ships Agencies (PTY) LTD is one of the oldest ships agencies in Southern Africa, having been founded on 19 December 1881. Its origin was the agency formed by Captain Don King and Mr W S Bullard, who inaugurated the White Cross Line sailing ship schedule between London and Natal.

The formation of a separate company to act as Natal agents for the Bullard King fleet was spearheaded by John George Maydon, a well known figure and one of the instigators in the development of Durban harbour, at the turn of the century.

Maydon was a young man in 1881 when, together with Thomas Hurr, Jarvis, Daniel King and Daniel King Junior, he set up the business of shipbrokers, insurance brokers and surveyors in Durban. The company was named King & Sons. Offices were opened in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

John Maydon retired to the United Kingdom in 1897 and the company was purchased jointly by Otto Siedle, who had joined the company as a clerk in 1889 and Harold King, the grandson of the original owner. In 1911, King retired and Siedle became the sole proprietor, later joined by his three sons, Karl, Basil and Jack.

In 1952, the Dunns joined the company. In 1976, King & Sons was bought by the Grindrod family and today is part of the Grindrod Limited Group, which listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The company’s experience in shipping is vast and its highly qualified staff is able to handle ships ranging from passenger liners to specialised gas carriers at all Southern African ports from Walvis Bay to Maputo.

The Grindrod Group as it exists today is a result of more than 100 years’ service to commerce and industry in the broad transportation field. It has grown as a result of its reputation for excellent service and the acquisition of other companies engaged in complementary activities.