Our Services

United Supplies is a family-run business that has been providing Duty & VAT-free goods to the North Sea industries for over 50 years.

We supply to the oil & gas industry’s rigs, platforms, standby and support vessels, as well as to the North Sea fishing fleet, renewable energy operations, international shipping and transport, ferries and other tourism-related services.

Based at Aberdeen Harbour, our Bonded warehouse is right in the centre of Aberdeen, which allows us to offer a truly local service tailored to each client.

United Supplies stocks a wide array of products tailored to meet the diverse preferences of those working offshore on platforms & rigs and on the fishing and supply boats.

Our comprehensive product range includes

• cigarettes & cigars including all top brands such as Marlboro, Lambert & Butler, L&M, Benson & Hedges, Regal, Signature & Henri Wintermans

• tobacco and accessories including Amber Leaf, Golden Virginia, Drum, Rizla and Swan

• vapes, e-liquids and heated tobacco products, including Vuse and Heets

• premium alcohol, encompassing all the top brands of beers, wines and spirits

• an extensive range of confectionary and soft drinks

• luxury perfumes from the most esteemed fragrance brands

• other luxury gift products such as watches, sunglasses, skincare and jewellery

• hygiene products, including razors & blades, deodrant, body wash and dental items

• we are always pleased to try source any additional products not currently in our portfolio

Our duty-free product range is thoughtfully selected to cater to the needs and desires of those working offshore. By providing access to goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, and perfume, we help companies managing staff offshore give their staff the opportunity to purchase both luxury goods and the essentials they need when away from home.

We have our own fleet of transport, which we operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, to ensure we can meet the unique logistical needs of all our customers.

The effective transportation of duty-free supplies, especially items such as alcohol, cigarettes, perfume, and other luxury products, requires careful planning and execution. With our in-house drivers we can provide a delivery direct to vessels as standard, and we are always on hand to help you deal with last minute changes.

We run a flexible and responsive delivery service and we are able to adjust transportation plans accordingly to ensure orders reach their destination at the correct time.

We supply our services to the core industries of the North Sea.

Offshore Oil & Gas Installations

These are the fixed production platforms and floating drilling rigs in the North Sea. There are currently over 20,000 workers on these installations and they are entitled to buy goods free of duty & VAT whilst offshore.

At United Supplies, we proudly provide a wide range of products to these installations, including premium tobacco, perfume & fragrances, luxury items, toiletries, confectionery and soft drinks.

Fishing Vessels

The Scottish fishing fleet operates from Aberdeen, Peterhead, Fraserburgh Montrose and other ports around Scotland. It also includes foreign vessels from Scandinavia, Iceland and the Faroe Isles, which land their fish at these ports.

Fishing vessels operate in remote locations and can spend extended times at sea. In addition to offering these vessels our selection of premium tobacco, perfume & fragrances, luxury items, toiletries, confectionery and soft drinks we are also able to supply them with duty free alcohol. We offer a wide range of top-brand beers, wines and spirits.

Support & Standby Vessels

In addition to fishing vessels, oil rigs and platforms, there are supply vessels which facilitate the delivery of goods and personnel to remote sites, as well as standby vessels which operate for the safety of the rigs and platforms. There are currently over 200 of these vessels operating in the North Sea and they are also able to buy the same duty & VAT free goods as the rigs and platforms.

Renewable Energy Operations

The North Sea is a key location for renewable energy operations, including offshore wind, hydrogen production, solar and marine energy. We currently provide duty & VAT free goods to these offshore operations and their supply and support vessels.

International Shipping & Tourism

We also provide duty free goods to cargo ships, tankers and other vessels engaged in international trade & transport, and vessels providing leisure and tourism services, including cruise ships & ferries.

Managing duty and VAT-free supplies demands top-tier, efficient reporting and inventory management. At United Supplies, we utilise a state-of-the-art, HMRC Customs and Excise-approved computer system to handle all documentation, communications and returns seamlessly.

This advanced system enables electronic clearance of transactions with HMRC, significantly reducing the time required to fulfill customer orders. We take care of all the paperwork, ensuring a straightforward and hassle-free process for our clients.

United Supplies has been providing Duty & VAT-free goods to the North Sea industries for over 50 years. Over that time there have many changes but we have always aimed to be reactive to the needs of our clients and continue to provide an outstanding service at competitive prices.

Our team is always on hand to discuss your requirements and work with you to provide the services you require.