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Privacy Policy

We handle your data with the same precision and care we bring to maritime operations. This policy explains exactly what we collect, why, and how you stay in control.

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Last updated: May 2025
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Global applicability
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Version 1.0
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info@africamaritimeservices.com
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Africa Maritime Services ("we", "us", "our") operates africamaritimeservices.com and provides maritime transport, port operations, customs clearance, and logistics solutions from Djibouti to the world. This Privacy Policy applies to all personal data collected through our website and business interactions.
Our commitment: We collect only what we need, never sell your data, and give you full control over your personal information.
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The data controller responsible for your personal information is:

Founded in 2009, AMS is a leading maritime services company connecting East Africa, the Middle East, and Asia through strategic port operations at one of the world's most important trade chokepoints.

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We collect data through two channels: information you actively provide, and data automatically generated during your visit.

2.1 — Data you provide directly (contact form)

DataWhen collectedRequired?
Full nameContact / quote request formYes
Company nameContact formOptional
Email addressContact formYes
Phone numberContact formOptional
Service requiredContact form (dropdown)Yes
Message / cargo detailsContact form (free text)Yes

2.2 — Data collected automatically (with your consent)

  • IP address (anonymized)
  • Browser type, version and language
  • Pages visited, navigation path and time on page
  • Referral source and entry keyword
  • Device type and operating system
Consent-first: Automatic analytics data is collected only after you explicitly accept analytics cookies via our consent banner.
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  • Respond to your inquiry: We use your contact details to reply within 24 business hours and provide relevant information about our maritime services.
  • Prepare shipping quotes: Your cargo details, origin/destination, and service type enable us to provide accurate, tailored logistics estimates.
  • Improve our website: Aggregated, anonymized analytics data helps us optimize content and user experience.
  • Legal obligations: Certain data may be processed to comply with maritime regulations, customs law, or other applicable legal requirements.
What we do NOT do: We never sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing. We do not use your data for automated decision-making or profiling.
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We rely on the following legal bases depending on the processing activity:

Processing activityLegal basis
Responding to contact form inquiriesLegitimate interest / pre-contractual steps
Analytics cookiesExplicit consent (opt-in via banner)
Technical / necessary cookiesLegitimate interest (site functionality)
Maritime regulatory complianceLegal obligation

For users in GDPR-applicable regions or countries with equivalent legislation (e.g. Djibouti, Kenya, South Africa's POPIA), these bases are consistent with applicable regulatory requirements.

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We share your data only in the following limited, necessary cases:

Third partyPurposeData shared
Email / form service providerRouting contact form submissions to our teamName, email, phone, company, message, service
Google Analytics (opt-in only)Website traffic analysisAnonymized IP, pages, device type
Hosting providerWebsite infrastructure & CDNServer logs (IP addresses, timestamps)
Maritime/customs authorities (if applicable)Regulatory compliance for logistics operationsCargo-related business data only

All service providers are bound by data processing agreements and may only use your data for the specified purpose. No data is transferred to any other party.

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Data typeRetention period
Contact form submissions (name, email, message…)Maximum 36 months from receipt
Analytics data (Google Analytics, opt-in)14 months (platform default)
Server access logs90 days
Cookie consent records12 months

After these periods, data is permanently deleted or anonymized. You may also request early deletion at any time — see Section 9.

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We use two categories of cookies on africamaritimeservices.com:

CategoryName / ProviderPurposeOpt-out?
Strictly necessarySession cookiesSite functionality and form submissionNo — always active
AnalyticsGoogle Analytics (_ga, _gid)Traffic measurement and page analyticsYes — requires opt-in
Consent recordcookieConsent (local)Stores your cookie preferenceNo — required to respect your choice

A consent banner is displayed on your first visit. You may accept or decline analytics cookies. To change your preference, clear your browser cookies and revisit the site, or use your browser's privacy settings.

No cookies before consent. Analytics cookies are loaded strictly after you click "Accept" on our banner. Declining has no impact on your access to the website.
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We apply industry-standard technical and organizational safeguards to protect your data:

  • HTTPS / TLS 1.2+: All data transmitted between your browser and our server is encrypted in transit.
  • Access control: Contact data is accessible only to authorized AMS team members on a strict need-to-know basis.
  • Third-party compliance: Our service providers maintain recognized security certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001).
  • Breach response: In the event of a data breach posing a risk to your rights, we commit to notifying affected individuals within 72 hours where legally required.

No transmission method over the internet is 100% secure. While we apply rigorous safeguards, we cannot guarantee absolute security and encourage you to use secure connections when contacting us.

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Depending on your jurisdiction, you have the following rights regarding your personal data held by AMS:

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Right of Access Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
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Right to Rectification Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
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Right to Erasure Request deletion of your personal data.
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Right to Restriction Limit how we process your data in certain cases.
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Data Portability Receive your data in a portable format.
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Right to Object Object to processing based on legitimate interest.
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Withdraw Consent Withdraw analytics cookie consent at any time.
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Right to Complain Lodge a complaint with your national data authority.

To exercise any right, contact us at info@africamaritimeservices.com. We will respond within 30 days. Identity verification may be required before processing your request.

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Our website and services are directed exclusively at maritime, logistics and trade professionals and organizations. We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 18. If you believe a minor has submitted information through our website, please contact us immediately at info@africamaritimeservices.com so we can delete it promptly.

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AMS operates internationally, with its headquarters in Djibouti and trade connections spanning East Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Your data may be processed by service providers whose servers are located outside your country of residence (including within the EU/EEA or the United States).

Where such transfers occur, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place — including Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) where applicable — to provide protection equivalent to your local data protection standards.

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Our website contains links to external platforms including LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and partner organisations. Once you leave africamaritimeservices.com, this Privacy Policy no longer applies. AMS is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We encourage you to review their policies before submitting any personal information.

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We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services, technologies, or applicable law. When we do, we will:

  • Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.
  • Post the new version on this page with clear indication of changes.
  • For material changes, notify individuals with whom we have an active relationship where we hold contact details.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our website following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

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For any privacy-related questions, data rights requests, or concerns about how we handle your information:

Africa Maritime Services

Our team is committed to answering all privacy inquiries within 30 days. Djibouti · East Africa · Global.

If you are unsatisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority in your country of residence. In the EU, this is your national Data Protection Authority (DPA). In Djibouti, refer to the applicable regulatory body for data protection matters.