The GAC Group has reported all round growth, both in Africa and globally, on the first day of South Africa’s Oil & Gas Africa event at the Cape Town International Conference Centre.

David Hitchman, Managing Director of GAC South Africa, reports that dry-docking and off-port services to FPSOs, FSOs and energy-related vessels have shown a marked increase in South Africa in the past year, and port calls were up 10% over the previous year in 2009, despite the global economic situation. Furthermore, escalating piracy issues have resulted in many more vessels passing Cape Town which has led to additional business and new relationships.

Globally, GAC marine operations continue to expand, especially in the Caspian Sea with a new marine base in Kazakhstan complementing existing operations in Turkmenistan, adds Laurance Langdon, Group Project Logistics Manager.

The announcement last month of GAC’s unique partnership with the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) – GAC Training & Service Solutions powered by the NMCI – means that GAC is now also able to provide bespoke training courses for seafarers and shore-based shipping personnel.

“These initiatives are in line with GAC’s aim to ensure that our energy clients need only to make one phone call and speak to one person to get everything done,” adds Langdon.

“GAC is one of very few companies who can offer completely integrated solutions. We operate our own offshore marine equipment, provide manning and 24/7 logistics services, safety workwear, weather solutions and more. With over 50 years’ experience in the energy sector, GAC has grown with our customers, responding directly to their needs as a partner, not simply a subcontractor. It’s this attitude that has enabled GAC to adapt and diversify its business, evolving from a shipping agent to the fully integrated service provider to all oil and gas companies that it is today.”

Tags: GAC Group