About Us

UNIVERSAL SHIPPING AGENCY S.A, established in Montevideo, was founded in 1974 by Mateo M. Elefteriu. Later in 1987 Capt. Miguel Elefteriu joined the family company as Director.

UNIVERSAL SHIPPING is the continuation of four generations permanently linked to the shipping industry in the River Plate (Argentina and Uruguay) since 1912.

Today we may proudly say that UNIVERSAL SHIPPING is known as one of the Top Port and Husbanding Agencies in Uruguay.

The Elefteriu family name is fully identified with the shipping activity in Uruguay, celebrating this year its 106th Anniversary of continued work devoted to its valued customers.

Our grandfather Mateo S. Elefteriu landed in Uruguay in 1912 as a Greek immigrant disembarking at the Port of Montevideo, like many others, looking for a land of opportunities. Among many sacrificed tasks assigned to the hard-working immigrants, he dedicated to the port and shipping activity and thereafter to the management and operation of cabotage vessels between Uruguay and Brazil.

He was afterwards followed by our father Miguel Elefteriu who in turn was continued by his sons Mateo M. Elefteriu and Capt. Miguel Elefteriu as third generation. Presently Capt. Miguel Elefteriu continues as Director & Advisor jointly with the fourth generation in the person of María Gabriela Elefteriu as Executive Director.

After 100 years our whole family has nothing but thankful words to our ancestors and to all who have trusted us, with whom we have gained friendship and mutual recognition.

Last but not least, our huge gratitude to all our staff, whom we consider part of our family and who have contributed to the company´s growth with their efforts and synergy.

Now more than ever we feel very committed to maintain the high reputation of our predecessors with professionalism, creativity and new concepts, so as to keep the company at the highest standards required by today’s changeable and demanding world.

We proudly invite you to join our celebration!

The Board of Directors.