Ship Supply - The Art of the Short Voyage - GAC

EDITORIALGopalan’sDream…One day in the summer of 1968 in Dubai,GAC’s Shipping Manager C.I. Gopalansat at his desk and stared out of thewindow at the ships lying at anchor. Inthat daydream moment he saw the ShipSupply Service, raw and unsophisticated,but built on the simple proposition thatship owners like to save time and money.Gopalan leased an old wooden launchand started offering crew changes andspares deliveries to the waiting vessels.It was basic but the idea took shapeand was in full swing a little more thana year later. Today GAC’s Ship SupplyService uses fast supply boats - spacious,comfortable and built to match theconditions. We provide an update onoperations around the world starting onpage 8.EnergyNothing happens without energy.Whether it’s a service to be delivered orthe power that drives your laptop, energyis required. And it’s required in increasingamounts all over the world. Fast growingregions like the Subcontinent and EastAsia are becoming big energy consumers.Our head of Project Logistics, LauranceLangdon, provides a review of globalenergy demand and the consequencesarising from it. See Insight on page 4.BunkersStill on energy but this time looking atthe ingredients that power the maritimefleet. GAC Bunker Fuels has established itscredentials over the past 25 years and is stillpushing the boundaries of service quality asshown in our feature on page 12 & 13.Resilience and trustThe state of world markets is anything butstable right now as sovereign debt issuesdominate the headlines. For GAC and ourcustomers, these are challenging timeswhere today’s sure thing can quickly turninto tomorrow’s setback as market forcesbounce up and down. These are timesrequiring resilience, patience and trust.Our customers need a service providerwho is there for the long run – who keepspromises and strives to deliver services ofthe highest standard. And to do it everyday, everywhere. Some people thinkbusiness relationships and contracts areall about the price. I think it’s as muchabout trust. Our task at GAC is to stayup late and do whatever it takes so ourcustomers can get a good night’s sleep,not having to worry about the job they’veawarded us. We cannot be given that sortof trust. We have to earn it. This we striveto do every day. With your support we willcontinue to earn it.Happy reading,Neil GodfreyEditorneil.godfrey@gac.com2 | OcT/DEC 2011

INSIGHTFor every source of energy that we use today - solar, wind, hydro,nuclear, coal, gas or oil - there are shortcomings that prevent itfrom being the ideal solution everyone is searching for.The Fukishima effectNuclear power was considered by some as the future of globalenergy – at least until a devastating tsunami damaged Japan’sFukushima nuclear power plant in March 2011. In the aftermath,nuclear power plant projects were put on hold and someplans scrapped altogether. However, in the absence of a readyalternative, it is likely that in the longer term there will be areturn to nuclear power.For now, however, the Fukushima experience is inevitablyhaving a short-term impact on the nuclear industry, particularly theequipment manufacturers and specialist suppliers that serve it.Serving the futureThe balance between maintaining affordable levels of power,complying with environmental regulations, maintaining acontinuous flow of electricity, and retiring, upgrading and buildingnew power plants, is a major concern for countries worldwide.This concern puts the focus back on non-nuclear energysources. Throughout the world, energy-related investments aregoing to rise significantly as governments pursue new ways togenerate power from existing resources.For example, proposed US Environmental ProtectionAgency regulations call for cleaner energy in US coal-firedpower stations, requiring a minimum investment of USD 6-8billion by 2020.Globally, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecaststhat about USD 33 trillion of investment will be needed in allforms of energy infrastructure between 2015 and 2035.Such investments will inevitably require the experienceand know-how of specialist service and supply companies suchas GAC Logistics to deliver the next generation of equipmentand power industry components. The IEA sees much of theinvestment focusing on emerging markets such as China andthe ASEAN group of countries rather than on traditional marketssuch as OECD member countries.Wind and solar power will not feature strongly in meetingthe world’s energy needs. They are still expensive and inefficientcompared to fossil fuels. Even under the most generous ofscenarios, the IEA estimates that solar energy will contributejust 2% of the energy generated globally by 2035.Nonetheless, wind and solar energy investments aregrowing steadily with China now the world’s leading investorin both. Many countries are including wind and solar as asmall part of their total energy requirement. They are exploitingunused shallow offshore areas and remote desert regions toprovide a continuous flow of power to communities that hadpreviously relied on generators and unreliable supply sources.Meanwhile, in the UK, GAC is drawing on its shipping andlogistics expertise to serve the developing offshorewind-farm sector.StressGlobally, oil is under enormous stress. Demand for it is drivingexploration into tougher places, going ever deeper and colder. Formany years, GAC has supported the global oil & gas business andis now helping its clients to push into new territories, particularlyin the Arctic, Central Asia and Africa.While high oil prices have made previously unworkable areasfeasible, they have also hit people’s pockets, creating the impetus forthe search for viable alternatives.Gas has been promoted as a cleaner alternative to oil.It is plentiful, relatively cheap to produce and emits just 40%of the CO2 that coal does. But it’s expensive to transport andits unconventional production methods may have seriousenvironmental implications, some of which have yet to befully understood.Investing to feed demandAs delegates at the May 2011 Breakbulk Conference in Antwerpheard, world energy demand will grow dramatically.China alone is expecting a 75% increase in demand forenergy by 2035. It has responded with heavy investment inpotential energy sources around the world to meet its futureneeds. In 2009, China invested approximately USD 29 billion onenergy-related projects, with a heavy focus on Africa and SouthAmerica. In 2010 investment reached USD 40 billion.China also continues to barter technology andinfrastructure for raw materials. In southern Brazil, GAC providedthe logistics for a power plant refurbishment project, whereBrazil paid China in soya and oil.Evolving to surviveThe energy sector is evolving under the stress of manycompeting forces. Historically, we have been able to adapt,invent and create solutions when needed. This ability is as vitaltoday as it has been in the past and it stays vital because of thepeople willing and able to face today’s challenges and adapt totomorrow’s. Some of those people work for GAC. GW“THE FUKUSHIMA EXPERIENCE ISINEVITABLY HAVING A SHORT-TERM IMPACT ON THE NUCLEARINDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY THEEQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERSAND SPECIALIST SUPPLIERSTHAT SERVE IT. “| OcT/DEC 20115

GAC WRAPA new viewof the East Med offshore sectorStaff at GAC’s office in Limassol, Cyprus have a front row view of the impressive jack-uprig, the ‘J.P. Bussell’, reminding them of the growing significance of the offshore sector inthe Mediterranean.Demetris Mouskos, Managing Director of GAC Cyprus, says: “The oil and gasindustry is a new business stream for Cyprus and at GAC Cyprus we are actively workingto educate and organise our staff to meet the challenge. This is being successfullyundertaken through communication and cooperation with other GAC offices that aremore experienced in this area of business.” GWNEW DELAWARE DEAL SIGNEDFOR CREW TRANSPORTATIONGAC Philadelphia is now working with Atlantic Marine ShipServices (AMSS) to provide transportation services for crew andsuperintendents between the airport, hotels, launches and terminalson the Delaware River. In addition to a fleet of quality vehicles forcrew transportation, including 15-seater vans, the partnership alsobrings reduction in related costs to the ship owners.Darren Martin, General Manager of GAC USA, says: “Initialfeedback has been very positive - one superintendent from aNew York tanker owner said we provided the best service hehad ever experienced in 30 years of joining and leaving ships onthe Delaware.”For further information on GAC's husbandry agency serviceson the Delaware River please contact philadelphia@gac.com GW6 | OcT/DEC 2011

GAC WRAPBIG MOVES FOR INDIA TEAM2011 has been a busy year for GAC India’s Oil &Gas team, which has helped clear two massivepieces of equipment.Big move 1The first project saw a 15,000 tonne rig ‘Mercury’, which had been laid upoff Egypt, brought to Cochin shipyard under dry tow for work including thereplacement of almost 200 tonnes of steel in its hull. It was a challenging taskdue to the age (more than 40 years old) and condition of the rig. It had to befloated from the vessel that had brought it from Egypt and towed into portby three tugs.With meticulous planning and coordination with the owners, portauthorities, the rig movers and shipyard officials, GAC oversaw the transferto the shipyard within 48 hours of arrival.Once all repairs are completed, the rig will be stationed about 100miles north-west of Mumbai for oil and gas exploration.Big move 2The GAC team faced another major operation when a 5,000 tonne floatingdry dock (FDD), the Barelang Satu, had to be brought to Cochin shipyardfor urgent repairs after damage to its hull in rough seas while on towfrom Indonesia.GAC acted as agent for port clearance and import of the FDD intoIndia. As it had not originally been intended to enter Cochin, no priorarrangements had been made. The team had to liaise closely with theauthorities to ensure that everything was in order and that the vessel couldbe brought in without delay.NEWS BEAT >SIGNED……a new contract with Bayer Philippines, underwhich GAC Philippines will manage its AnimalHealth warehouse, production operationsand transportation. The deal was sealed at aceremony at the Bayer Philippines office inCanlubang, Laguna, attended by GAC’s AndyBradbury, Yhel Reyes and Tino Boqueo.Growing demandDue to massive industrial development in recent years, India needs toimport 76% of its oil and gas requirements.Considerable investment is being ploughed into finding and exploitingdomestic resources, with existing fields on the west coast being supplementedby work onshore in places like Rajastan and in the Eastern offshore sector. Bidsfor oil and gas blocks have been made, and both international and domesticplayers are now strongly entering the Indian energy sector.GAC is supporting these developments by providing essential marineand logistics services for projects. Its Oil & Gas team is headed by Oil & GasGeneral Manager Karunakar Poojary and General Manager Commodore(Retired) Arun Julka. GWWINNERS…...of GAC Oslo’s first annual Spring Quiz –the Western Bulk Warriors from WBC. Fiveteams from local shipbrokers and operatorsgathered at the city’s well-known ‘Fridtjof’shipping pub for a battle of wits, overseenby Quiz Mistress Joanne Kelleher of GACTraining & Service Solutions (GTSS).The winners – Torunn StreitlienEllefsen, Harald Thorsen, Martin Stenbergand Helle Graesdal – were presented withan engraved GAC ship’s bell and will attenda GTSS dry cargo course. They will keep thebell for a year until the next quiz in 2012when it will be passed to the next winner.| OcT/DEC 20117

GAC WRAPYo-ho-ho!Seven screens for Cap’n JackWhen Cap’n Jack Sparrow came ashorefor the UK premiere of Disney’s latestpirate blockbuster in May, it was GACLogistics that helped deliver the bootyto waiting fans.The debut of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides’ wasstaged at the VUE Cinema at West London’s Westfield Centre on12 May. But to do the cinematic romp full justice, seven giant 3Dscreens worth GBP 30,000 each had to be brought in from France.Specialist screen manufacturers, Harkness Screens, contractedGAC Logistics UK to handle transportation and delivery to London.Six days before the premiere, a 40ft trailer was positioned atthe manufacturer’s plant in Des Vignes, south of Paris, ready toload the seven-metre long screens. After loading, it was a raceto the north coast to catch the last train through the EuroTunnel to the UK.Once on British soil, it might have been plain sailingbut something snagged the plan’s anchor. The screens wereready to hand over by Monday 9 May, but the trailer couldn’tenter the Westfield Centre’s unloading dock until after hours.So the driver had to find somewhere to park his trailer until8pm – no small feat on a Monday in London!The screens had to be delivered by 11pm, when theinstallers would have access to the cinema. That gave theGAC Logistics UK team a three-hour window in which tocomplete their mission. They did it in two.Without the work of GAC’s Freight Department ManagerAlan Newton and his crew of hearties, the ‘Pirates of theCaribbean’ might never have got further than Shepherd’s Bush.Yet by the time Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, and theother stars of the film were greeted by excited crowds at thepremiere, everything was installed, tested and ready to setsail with Cap’n Jack. GW8 | OcT/DEC 2011

GAC WRAPHandling luxury:Super Yacht bringstouch of class tothe Big AppleSome say it’s the world’s largest privately-classed sailing yacht. GAC NewYork’s Port Manager, Lisa Doherty, just calls it “exquisite”.Lisa and her team were entrusted with the agency of the luxuriousaluminum-hulled Super Yacht “Eos” when she arrived in New York for anextended stay this summer.But with great luxury comes responsibility and special challenges:extensive paperwork had to be completed for the yacht and her crew toenter a US port, in liaison with the agent and authorities in her previousport of call in St Thomas; a deep enough berth had to be found forsupplies to be delivered; and a crane had to be chartered to unload thetender vessel from the aft of “Eos” so it could be used for transportationwithout having to move the yacht from place to place.The GAC team also helped make all the arrangements for severaltrips to New York City, Long Island Sound, Nantucket, Bar Harbor,Boston, Gloucester and Providence, as well as a pleasure cruise up theHudson River.“While many of the aspects of handling the “Eos” presented achallenge, it was very educational and a great test of our capabilities asagents to get the job done – and done right,” says Lisa. “It also broughtgood relationships into play, as we enlisted the help and support ofexperienced port veterans. And finally, the crew of the “Eos” were a joy todeal with - helpful, patient, polite and educated.” GWSY “Eos”- Luxury in numbersBuilt: 2006Length: 304 feetMast height: 200 feetBeam: 44.29 feetDraft: 18.04 feetAccommodation: For up to 16 guestsCrew: Up to 21Facilities: State rooms, themed guest bedrooms,jet skis, scuba gear, media room & library.| OcT/DEC 20119

Cover StorySHIP SUPPLYSERVICE UPDATEBOOSTING THEBOTTOM LINEOFFSHOREModern shipping is all aboutefficiency. In a world of rising costsand shrinking margins, time andmoney are at a premium in the battlefor the bottom line.10 | OcT/DEC 2011

Cover StorySince its birth in the Middle East in the late 1960s,GAC’s Ship Supply Service (SSS) has used its fleetof service & supply craft to deliver provisionsand crews direct to vessels plying some of theworld’s major shipping lanes. Today, GAC has SSSbases in the Middle East, West Africa, the IndianSubcontinent and South East Asia.With the growth of offshore operationsand rising numbers of ships awaitingorders off port limits and at designatedanchorages, GAC has expanded itsfleet and developed a range of supportservices, including:• Immigration clearance, accommodationand transfers for crew changes• Import and export Customs formalitiesfor spares• Advice and assistance on local engineeringand other technical support services• Bunkering & deslopping• Supplies of fresh water and lubes.Four decades in the GulfShortly after the establishment of GACDubai in 1967, the company started usinga wooden dhow to transport suppliesto vessels in the Gulf’s shipping lanes –saving customers time, and the expenseof a port call. The dhow is long gone,replaced by a fleet of high-speed crew &supply boats operating around the clockfrom Dubai and Fujairah.In 2010, GAC’s SSS in Dubai andFujairah handled about 6,200 imports and2,040 exports and effected more than17,000 crew changes (arrivals & departures).Fujairah callingLocated about 70 miles from the Strait ofHormuz, the gateway to the Gulf, Fujairah’sdeep water anchorage is the ideal place formany vessels to pause for crew changes andfresh supplies. Every year, 33,000 ships passthrough the Strait. This has led to Fujairahemerging as the world’s largest bunkeringport after Singapore. Desalination plantswithin the port supply fresh water to vessels atanchorage. Further planned investment looksset to transform it into one of the world’s topvessel refueling and oil storage hubs.The global financial crisis andrising fuel prices have led to moreships waiting for orders off Fujairah.11,719 called at the anchorage in 2010compared to 10,801 in 2001, raising thedemand for Ship Supply Services.Competitive edgeCompetition is fierce in the Gulf. There arenow nearly 50 agencies operating 89 boatsservicing vessels off Fujairah alone.Capt. Ingemar Porathe, GAC Fujairah’sGeneral Manager of Shipping, says part ofGAC’s competitive advantage is its excellenttechnical support.“That round-the-clock support fromGAC Marine’s technical team is vital to thereliable operation of our fleet,” he says. “Wealso have long-standing good relationswith the authorities to smooth the wayfor all formalities, and a well-trained andexperienced team.“Our track record demonstrates ourreliability, dedication and efficiency.”| OcT/DEC 201111

Cover StoryGAC Tiger is a common sight in Nigeria’s oil & gasfields, and her Master, Capt. Henry, has been at thehelm since GAC Nigeria’s SSS operations started in2004. He says:”We have handledmany offshore crewchanges, supplies andescort operations.Any job we handle istreated as the mostimportant and wework closely withvessels and ourManagement toensure smooth sailing.”The view from GalleA constant stream of vessels ply thebusy trade routes linking the Far Eastwith the Indian subcontinent, MiddleEast, Africa and Europe (via the SuezCanal) – and they all pass by thesouthern tip of Sri Lanka.The sea lanes are just a short tripfrom GAC’s SSS base at the port of Gallefrom where GAC has been providingservices since the mid-1990s.Rising demandDemand is high off Galle and it’sgrowing fast.GAC now serves more than 200vessels per month - up from a monthlyaverage of 40-50 during 2010. Accordingto Ashan Silva, General Manager -Shipping Operations, that figure coulddouble again by the end of 2011.The surge is partly due to the increasein piracy in the approaches to the Gulf ofAden in recent years. Increasingly, vesselowners are calling on GAC to deliver securityescorts along with spares and new crewmembers as they pass south of Sri Lanka.Growing fleetGAC Galle now has seven launches,including a tug, to provide flexibilityin meeting customer needs, all in fullcompliance with ISO/HSE standards. Threemore craft are about to join the fleet.African opportunitiesGAC was quick to respond to theopportunities presented by West Africa’sburgeoning offshore and oil & gas sectors.In addition to providing a vital linkbetween the shore and vessels at anchorageoff Lagos, GAC Nigeria’s SSS base alsoprovides an alternative to helicopter transfersto the many drill rigs, production platformsand storage facilities off the coast. This isessential when adverse weather makes itimpossible for choppers to fly.It all started in 2004 when the crewsupply vessel, GAC Tiger, took up residenceat GAC’s own jetty in Apapa, Lagos. It carried12 | OcT/DEC 2011

Cover Story2,900 passengers in 2010. It looks set tosmash that record in 2011.GAC Tiger is fully compliantwith international safety standards,operated by an experienced Masterand crew and equipped with the latesttechnology upgrades.Managing risksThe waters off Nigeria are considereda security hot spot and the countryregularly hits the headlines with news ofkidnappings, robberies, and attacks on oilinstallations. With security being a majorissue, GAC Nigeria staff are trained torecognise and minimise exposure to risks.Daily and weekly security reportsare studied to ensure the latestinformation is taken into account beforeundertaking any operation. Whererequired, security personnel are placedonboard vessels.To date, GAC Nigeria has nothad any incidents, a testament to thestrength of its precautions.| OcT/DEC 201113

Cover Story“AS ALWAYS, IT’S A PLEASURE TO STAY ATTHE GAC GUESTHOUSE. VERY HOSPITABLEAND A FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT. THANKS.”Ivar Wilhelmsen – Training & Competency Manager with BW Fleet Management AS, Oslo, who hasused the GAC Guesthouse several timesComing ashoreThe special GAC treatment starts for joining crew memberswhile they’re still onshore. They are given assistance withimmigration, secure transportation and accommodation atthe GAC Guesthouse.Situated in a secure compound, close to GAC Nigeria’shead office in Apapa, Lagos, the comfortable Guesthouseprovides spacious rooms, a café, a function room for meetingsor training, and a range of leisure facilities including a gymand a swimming pool.Shelley Shoderu, GAC Nigeria’s Organisation & DevelopmentManager, says the facilities are just part of the service: “Whencrewmen come to the Guesthouse after months offshore, theyneed somewhere comfortable to relax and people to talk to sothey can release the pressure of their work. That’s why our stafftakes extra time with off-signing crew. Such a service and friendlyatmosphere simply cannot be found in a sterile hotel environment.“Our goal is to make crewmen feel very much at home. Theyhave healthy appetites and it is a pleasure for our staff to see theirfood and services so appreciated. They say that the way to a man’sheart is through his stomach – and the GAC Guesthouse has filledthousands of stomachs and won many hearts.”Safety is paramount. GAC Singapore’s Workplace Safety OfficerDesmond Goh regularly conducts inspections and reviews toensure the vessels meet the Group’s HSSE standards, satisfyclients’ safety requirements and comply with Singapore’sWorkplace Safety and Health regulations.For more information about GAC’s Ship Supply Service, go towww.gac.com/shipping GWNew bloodIn Singapore, GAC’s SSS team performs more than 700 tripsper month, operating around the clock. To meet growingdemand at one of the world’s busiest ports, its fleet of fast,air-conditioned supply and crew boats has recently increasedto seven.Together they provide the most efficient way to exchangeofficers/crew and deliver spares and provisions to vessels, withoutrequiring them to divert from their course or stop.14 | OcT/DEC 2011

Cover Storyby Amanda MillenOFF PORT LIMITSWITH GAC FUJAIRAH’SSHIP SUPPLY SERVICEThe horizon off Fujairah is laced with the silhouettesof ships waiting at anchorage before or aftertransiting the Straits of Hormuz.They are the vessels GAC’s Ship SupplyService (SSS) is designed for. Manychoose not to make a port call to take onsupplies or change crews, partly due tothe charges involved, and partly becauseit means diverting from their course.They can stay at anchorage for up to 14days before incurring extra charges orthey can stop further out, Off Port Limits.Wherever they stay, GAC’s fleet of supplyand crew boats are there for them.GAC was the first to introduce SSS,but these days it is just one of many suchsuppliers at Fujairah Port. Competition isstiff, so quality and reliability are key. Forevery GAC vessel that heads out to sea,three essential steps are completed:• Co-ordinators assess the needs ofeach client’s request.• The programme is drawn up forthe fleet.• Radio Operators liaise with GAClaunch Masters, giving them theship’s position, ETA and requirements.seawards, a container ship piled high withboxes makes her stately way through themaze of anchored tankers and gas carriers.Demand for SSS is high, as Fujairah is acheaper alternative to Dubai.Ship ahoy!The ship we’re heading for – a moderntanker – comes into sight. As we nearher towering green and brown side, thewaiting crew lower the ladder and theGAC craft manoeuvres to nestle up to theside of the ship. Once confirmed that allis safe, the two joiners we have broughtwith us climb onto the ladder and maketheir way to the deck high above.We then motor around to the otherside, where the ship’s crane is waiting.The winch is lowered so a heavy ropesling filled with ship stores and the joiners’luggage can be lifted on board. It takescareful coordination - one false movecould spell disaster.We move away from the ship’s side as thebundle is lifted onboard. After a signalfrom above, we approach again – this timeto accept some equipment being sentashore for repairs. The GAC crew carefullyguide it onto the deck, remove it from thewinch and secure it in place before we pullaway again. The process is repeated for acrate filled with empty paint tins and gascylinders and a bundle of timber and oldscaffolding, before the sling comes downagain – this time with the luggage of thecrew members about to disembark.When the winch operator confirmsthere is nothing more to come, we movearound the tanker’s bow to take on board themen leaving at the end of their tour of dutyor going on shore leave. 14 come down theship’s ladder and settle on the deck, bringinga jovial mood with their suitcases and a widescreenTV destined for some lucky household.Our trip back to port is calm andpleasant, so no-one feels the need to usethe air-conditioned accommodation belowdeck. At other times, the fierce Middle Eastsun or strong wind and waves make goingbelow deck a welcome option.Home port – and morepreparationComing into port, we pass other vessels– cargo ships, other service craft, evena submarine – and await permission toberth and unload.It’s the end of the trip for me and theseamen that have left the tanker, but forthe GAC crew, it’s time to discharge theirdeck cargo and get ready for their next tripout into the Gulf of Oman. GWAll aboardQuayside, I step onboard one of GAC’sfleet of four service craft, which is gettingready to make the trip to a tanker 14miles offshore in the Gulf of Oman.Though the smallest of the Fujairah fleet,she is big enough for today’s task - takinga technician and a crewman out to jointhe ship, and disembarking some officersand crew.Once permission to leave is givenby the Port Control, we’re on our way. I’mlucky - hardly a ripple breaks the surfaceof the sea as we head out of the port.The Captain and crew don’t always enjoysuch calm conditions as the area can besubject to heavy swells. No matter whatthe conditions, they can make up to fivetrips a day.It takes about an hour to reach ourdestination, passing countless ships atanchor along the way - there could be asmany 180 waiting offshore. As we head| OcT/DEC 201115

GAC WRAPNew GEMSoffice opensin Trinidad& TobagoGAC Energy & Marine Services LLC (GEMS) isexpanding its shipping and logistics servicesto Trinidad & Tobago, with the opening of itsnewest office in San Fernando.Bunkers -Masters of the Spot Market12001000800600400200380cst180cstMDO0Jun10Jul10Aug10Sep10Oct10Nov10Dec10Jan11Feb11Mar11Apr11Mar11Jun11Open for business: Lars Heisselberg, GAC’s Group VicePresident - Americas, with the new GEMS Trinidad& Tobago team: Boarding Officer Tracy Khanhi, MDGobind Kukreja and Operations ExecutiveLisa Kawal-Mohammed.Trinidad & Tobago has estimated reserves ofaround one billion barrels of crude oil. Currentproduction represents a mere fraction of this,with nearly two-thirds of potential reservesbeing untapped, and the local administrationhas announced plans to prioritise explorationand development over the next five years.That potential for substantial long-termgrowth makes the opening of GEMS Trinidad& Tobago particularly timely.PotentialIt is headed by Managing Director GobindKukreja, a GAC veteran with 25 years ofshipping and logistics experience with theGroup, who says: “The arrival of GEMS signalsour recognition of the growth potential inthe local oil & gas logistics and shippingsectors and we are here to serve our existingcustomers and to attract new businesses.“As part of GAC, we bring togetherthe Group’s global policies, practices andresources with local expertise to ensure thedelivery of the high quality services thatcustomers have come to expect from GAC,wherever you go.”StrategicLars Heisselberg, Group Vice-PresidentAmericas, adds: “Besides being part of ourlong-term strategic plan for the Americas, theestablishment of GAC in Trinidad & Tobago iscustomer-driven. The GAC brand representsa difference, which our clients recognise andwe respond to.“In the very capable hands of Capt.Gobind, I have no doubt that our newventure will be another GAC success.” GWBunkers are big business.The price per tonne isbreaking records everymonth while a glutof new buildings haspushed charter ratesdown hard.It all makes for tough times for ship ownersand operators, still working to recover fromthe global financial slow-down.While ‘cuts’ seems to be the mostcommonly heard word in board roomsand business meetings, GAC Bunker FuelsLtd (GBFL) has taken a bullish stance andis growing steadily in a market wherecompetition remains fierce, profit marginsare being eroded and credit still rules.Support in tough times“We have enjoyed a long relationshipwith GAC Bunker Fuels and havealways been felt comfortable with theirservice - more than ever when twounits of one of our main customers,cruise operator Costa Crociere, weresupplied in Egypt during this year’scruise season, at the same time asthe recent unrest in the country. Wecould not have succeeded withoutthe support of the GAC team. Thanksto their organisation and assistance,deliveries to both vessels were madewithout any delays or disruption, to thegreat satisfaction of the owner.”Pinuccia Raimondi, PisanoTrading Oil SRL, ItalyExperience & insightGBFL’s global team has been strengthenedwith the addition of experiencedprofessionals like Stephen Chen inSingapore, Andy Boichat in the UK office,and Colin Holloway in Dubai. Stephenand Andy have a wealth of trading andbrokering experience while Colin adds afresh insight from the other side of theindustry. Having served as a RegionalManager for one of the leading fuel testingcompanies, his experience is invaluablewhen handling quality issues and claims.CreativeTough times call for creative solutions. Aswell as pushing to secure the best bunkerprices and credit terms for its customers,GBFL draws on the wider resources of theGAC Group to help customers achievegreater fuel economies.“As an example, we can offer acombined service package of bunker suppliestogether with services like GAC Solutions’Weather Routing to optimise fuel efficiency,”says Anthony Mollet, Director of GBFL.Including bunker supplies and otherservices in an integrated GAC invoice savesclients time, money and hassle.“At a time when our competitorsare focusing solely on simply fixing a saleat the best price, we take a more ‘holistic’approach, discussing with the client allaspects of their port call and bunkerdemands,” says Anthony.“We believe that such a big-pictureview will set us apart from the crowd at atime when analysts foresee a continuingtough market, as new vessels are deliveredand oil prices remain high.”For more information about GACBunker Fuels contact Anthony atanthony.mollet@gac.com or go towww.gac.com/bunkers GW16 | OcT/DEC 2011

GAC WRAPGLOBAL – NETWORKED – FULL STEAM AHEADWherever you go, there’s a GAC Bunker Fuels Ltd office drawing on the latestmarket intelligence to secure supplies at the best price.United KingdomThe first port of call fornew customers, GBFL’sHead Office in the UKliaises with local teamsworldwide to provide aquality, integrated servicewherever you go: (left toright) Nicholas Browne,Martyn McMahon,Anthony Mollet, ReshamRai, Andrew Boichat andMurray Bishop.DubaiGBFL is a significantbunker trader in theMiddle East and IndianSubcontinent. Thanks toits long-term relationshipswith local suppliers, it isable to offer excellentprices on 30-day terms.United StatesFrom Houston, GBFLcovers the Gulf ofMexico, Brazil andSouth American ports,drawing on the strongconnections and localpresence of the GACnetwork throughoutthe Americas.EgyptGAC is the onlyinternational bunkertrader based in Egyptand is able to use itsexcellent supplierrelations to secure creditlines. During a transitof the Suez Canal allpossible needs canbe taken care of byGAC’s local operationsincluding bunkers &lubricants, ship agencyand provision & deliveryof ship spares.Sri LankaFrom Colombo,GBFL can arrangecompetitive bunkers,lubricants andagency servicesthrough our barge MTKandy, operated inpartnership with theMcLarens Group.SingaporeSingapore is one of theworld’s top spots forbunkering. GBFL providesa full bunker and agencypackage on a single invoice.30-days credit is availablefor bunkers-only port calls.| OcT/DEC 201117

GAC FACESQ&A withConstantinosMouskosGENERAL MANAGER, GAC GreeceYou’re a Cypriot in charge of a companyin Greece. Are there significantdifferences in the way that Greeks andCypriots do business?Although Greece and Cyprus have alot of cultural similarities, their workingpractices are quite different. As a formerBritish colony, Cyprus has a more strict andstraightforward legislation and financialsystem than Greece. Greek businesspeople, on the other hand, are moreinnovative and resourceful.Describe your management styleI enjoy working as the head of a fairlyflat organisation. I encourage our staffto approach me directly and most staffparticipate in many of the meetings Iorganise. I enjoy being out of the office,meeting customers and Principals, as thisallows decisions to be taken on the spot.How do you see GAC Greece developingthe coming years?In light of the global financial situationand the local economic crisis in Greece,I believe that there will be lots ofopportunities for new partnerships in thecoming months and years. GAC Greece isa financially sound company with a greatreputation locally and our global brand iswidely recognised for quality and reliability.What is your approach to sales andbusiness promotion?Sales are the key for income in any industry.Without a proper sales team no organisationcan survive for long. However, I don’t believein ‘telemarketing’. Ours is still a people’sindustry and people buy people first. Propersales are based on personal relations.What do you feel when you look upat the Parthenon, sitting on top ofthe Acropolis?Throughout my life I must have visitedthe Parthenon more than 100 times,either alone, with family and friends, orduring the last few years with visitorsfrom abroad. Every time I visit the “HolyRock” of the Acropolis I am mesmerisedby its beauty, its details, and the skill andvision of its creators. The Parthenon inparticular is the epitome of grace - and tothink that this masterpiece is almost 2500years old is mind-blowing. I consider itthe greatest monument the human racehas ever created. It is proof of what thehuman spirit can achieve - we are onlylimited by our imagination. Standingon the rock of the Acropolis makes mefeel very privileged and proud of myGreek heritage, and encourages me toovercome any challenges that come myway, be they personal or professional.What advice would you give commercialmanagers when trying to securebusiness from Greek customers?Greek customers are very tough. They arestrong minded and stubborn. However,once they agree on something they keeptheir word.What are the best, and worst, thingsabout living and working in the EasternMediterranean?The best things include the people, thescenery, the food…. Nothing bad, honestly!In today’s ship agency business, howimportant is Quality versus Price forowners and charterers?For me these two values are notmutually exclusive – there is nocontradiction. Rather, they are twoelements that complement oneanother. As ship agents, we must offerquality services at affordable prices. Ofcourse, quality comes at a cost (training,investment, time etc.) but at the end ofthe day, that cost depreciates rapidlyconsidering the cost of an accident whichcan be avoided.What are the most important lessonsyou have learned from your father?Well I’m still learning! But perhaps oneof the most important things he hastaught me is that nothing you achievein life is worth anything if you are nota decent person.Born: 16 October 1979,in Nicosia, CyprusFamily: Engaged to NicolettaBefore GAC: Worked for Brobulk andHowe Robinson until 2004.Joined GAC: In September 2004, asSales and Marketing Manager for GACGreece. Appointed General Managerin 2009.Do you think Governments can learnmanagement lessons from business?If so, what are most important lessonsthey should learn?Running a country is very different torunning a company. However, due to theirnature, governments (or the Greekgovernment, at least) are very slow tomake decisions – and that can cost thecountry valuable income. Furthermore,bureaucracy and red tape is one area thatmost companies have brought undercontrol, while the state sector has reallynot done too much in that direction.What personal and professionalgoals have you set yourself for thecoming year?Personally, I’d like to start my own familyas I am getting married later on thisyear. Professionally, I would like to addnew services to the GAC Greece portfolioof shipping and logistics services. Iwould also like to see how we can startintroducing the GAC Group’s expertisein the oil and gas sector, as I believe thisis a key area in which we can serve ourprincipals in the near future. GW18 | OcT/DEC 2011

GAC FACESappointmentsGAC BremenGAC DubaiGAC SingaporeGAC MUMBAINiko SteindammMarketing Manager,Shipping responsible forGermany, Poland, the CzechRepublic and SlovakiaPreviously:Worked for a largecontainer line in sales andoperations within Germany,and latterly a RoRo owner/operator specialising inproject movements aroundthe Baltic regionStuart BowieManaging DirectorPreviously:Group Sales Director, GACCorporate Headquarters,Jebel AliGAC Transfer Services, DubaiMichael SturessonCommercial DirectorPreviously:General Manager ofGAC QatarJimmy LiakMarketing Manager,ShippingPreviously:Commercial Manager,Shipping, responsiblefor South East Asia andAustralasiaVinod MaliyekalAdministration & FinanceManager, Oil & GasDepartmentPreviously:Worked as AssistantMarketing Manager withGAC Mumbai, prior totaking a one-yearstudy breakGAC Dubai Hub Agency CentreGAC HQ, Jebel AliKumar GanesanGeneral Manager, GlobalHub ServicesPreviously:Business Manager atGAC’s Houston HubAgency CentrePeter ÖstermanDirector, GlobalHub ServicesPreviously:Marketing Manager,Shipping, basedin StockholmGurumurthi ShankarGroup Sales DirectorPreviously:Regional BusinessDevelopment Manager,Third Party Logistics (3PL),Asia PacificGAC Energy & Marine Services LLC(GEMS), Trinidad & TobagoGobind KukrejaManaging DirectorPreviously:General Managerof GAC FujairahGAC SMHI Weather Solutions,SingaporeGAC NigeriaKunal TalwarSales ManagerPreviously:Assistant OperationsManager with dry cargochartering company,Transnational TradingPte Ltd.Herman VenterGeneral Manager, ShippingServices (Non-Liner)Previously:Shipping Manager withan international agencycompany in MuscatGAC QatarGAC Corporate Communications,SingaporeGAC StockholmMikko WieruGeneral ManagerPreviously:General Manager of KTS,KuwaitHweesan TengCorporate CommunicationsManagerPreviously:Senior Manager, Hill &Knowlton SEA. Previouslypart of GAC’s CorporateCommunications, firstin Singapore and thenfor four years in Dubai asCommunications Manager,Middle EastLabelle LeeCommunications Manager,Asia Pacific & IndianSubcontinentPreviously:Assistant Manager, PR& Communications forAmway Singapore Pte Ltd.Capt. Tom BjorklundMarketing Manager,Shipping, responsible forDenmark, Finland, Iceland,Norway, Sweden and theBaltic RepublicsPreviously:Director, Global HubServicesLooking for contactdetails?Contact details for many GAC staff arelisted in our website www.gac.comJust type in the surname of the personyou are looking for in the Name Searchfield in the “Contact” section of the site.| OcT/DEC 201119

GAC WRAPTruck moves:Taking the Brandon the road in ShanghaiA new fleet of GAC-branded trucks is servingthe Chinese automotive industry on deliveryroutes between Shanghai’s ports and the carmanufacturing hub of Anting.Dubbed ‘the Detroit of China’, Antingis home to many international anddomestic vehicle manufacturers andhundreds of suppliers.Simon Xu, General Manager ofGAC Freight Services, decided to raisebrand awareness by painting the GAClivery on the trucks that deliver parts tothe hub. Customers and suppliers weresoon commenting on the sight of thedistinctive marine green GAC trucks crisscrossingShanghai’s highways.DedicatedSimon says: “The automotive sector inChina has potential for explosive growth,which is why we are focusing on bothproviding the best tailor-made servicesfor the sector, and raising our profilewhile doing so.”A dedicated department, GACAutomotive Logistics, has beenestablished in GAC Shanghai, headedby Bobby Xu. It focuses on supplyingand delivering automotive spares from15 countries around the world to themanufacturers at Anting. GW20 | OcT/DEC 2011