GAC, MariFlex team up to provide ship-to-ship transfer services

GAC Transfer Services S A and European ship-to-ship (STS) service provider MariFlex have teamed up to launch a new joint solution named, 'GAC Transfer Services-Powered by MariFlex' (GTSM), in a bid to provide "a wider range of services and choice of ship-to-ship transfer locations across Europe, Asia, the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean."

The alliance aims to combine GAC's global reach with MariFlex's expertise in a range of complementary maritime services, to offer ship-to-ship transfer solutions for dry and liquid cargoes such as crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied gas.

"Transferring dry or liquid bulk from ship to ship is a highly technical and challenging operation that requires not only specialised skills and equipment, but also rapid mobilisation capability and in-depth experience in dealing with contingency situations," said Ruud Cogels, managing director of MariFlex. "GAC Transfer Services powered by MariFlex (GTSM) has the skills, equipment and network to handle any STS operations safely and seamlessly."

Liquid bulk and gas transfer operations will be carried out by GTSM in accordance with the guidelines set out in the latest edition of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Guidelines, with strict adherence to safety regulations, according to a statement from the GAC Group.

STS transfer operations will be offered from more than 10 bases, including Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Flushing in the Netherlands; Gibraltar in Spain; Frederikshavn and Kalundborg in Denmark; Gothenburg in Sweden; as well as from locations in Malta, Cyprus, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

Group vice president for GAC Solutions Christer Sjodoff added: "With the increased number of bases, GTSM can now respond faster and with greater mobility and flexibility, and operate anywhere and anytime, as required by clients.

"All operations are handled by trained and experienced personnel to ensure safe control. We also provide all necessary equipment such as hoses, fenders and support craft, as well as full back-up services including standby boats, equipment transportation and 24-hour communication."

(Source: www.schednet.com)