When the Africa Aerospace & Defence Exhibition was held at Waterkloof Airforce Base in Centurion, South Africa, GAC made sure that more than 400 shipments of exhibits were delivered safely.

Staged every two years in South Africa, the event is the region’s largest exhibition of military gear covering air, sea and land. This year, 28 countries and 61 foreign delegations were on site, attracting 40,000 trade visitors and more than 95,000 members of the public over five days.

The contract for the import, clearance and delivery of 500,000 kg of cargo for the event was awarded to GAC Laser Specialised Logistics Partnership following an extensive tender process. When the event ended, GAC was again at work returning some shipments to their country of origin and forwarding many more to other events being held around the globe.

Tight schedule

One of the challenges for the GAC team was meeting tight timelines while complying with the requirements of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC). This involved inspections and obtaining import permits even for last-minute shipments.

Nico Troostheide, Managing Executive of GAC Laser Specialised Logistics Partnership, says: “Thanks to our hard work and help from the NCACC, we managed to fast-track the process and get the cargo released, delivered and stands set up in just a few days.”

Trust and know-how

Wessie van der Westhuizen of the Government-owned Denel Group, South Africa’s largest manufacturer of defence equipment, adds: “Because of the sensitive nature of our cargo, we have to use people who know how to handle it. Fortunately for us and the industry in general, GAC Laser Specialised Logistics has the hands on experience and industry knowledge that we can trust to get the job done.

     “Their professional and personal service goes beyond the call of duty – 24 hour availability, management ‘getting their hands irty’ by operating forklifts and taking care of every detail, even down to ensuring the golf carts we used during the exhibition were kept fuelled up! Thanks for a job well done.”

As featured in the 'GAC World' magazine Issue No. 01 of 2013 and reproduced with the kind permission of GAC.

Energy is the heartbeat of Africa today. The continent’s natural resources, including oil and gas, are driving growth in many of its nations and attracting foreign investment from others seeking fuel to drive their own development.

Increasing global demand and decreasing oil & gas production in traditional regions like the Middle East has prompted a rise in exploration in Africa. Sub-Saharan nations in particular have witnessed a rise in exploration, extraction and production. And when such resources are tapped, there’s demand for support services to keep the energy lines flowing smoothly.

In September 2011, the GAC Group set up its Strategic Oil & Gas Africa Team (SOGAT) in response to increasing demand for specialised shipping, logistics and marine solutions for the continent’s energy sector. Composed of GAC country and company managers from throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the team sharpens the Group’s focus on the needs of the region’s energy industry.

ANGOLA 

GAC’s logistics team has built a strong reputation for dealing with Angola’s often complex and challenging customs procedures. The company also provides shipping and logistics support for operations in the neighbouring Republic of Congo. 

Michael Sturesson, General Manager of GAC Shipping and Logistics Angola, says: “By having a dedicated team dealing directly with the Ministry of Commerce, we can reduce the time our customers have to allow for formalities – a huge benefit for our seismic customers who cannot afford any delays for their highly sophisticated fleets”.

SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town is a popular repair and maintenance hub for sub-Saharan Africa’s oil and gas industries. GAC’s

twin South African operations – GAC Shipping SA and GAC Laser – work in tandem to provide a turnkey service including ship agency, husbandry support, procurement, clearing and forwarding and warehousing and distribution both in Cape Town and throughout the country.

“Our record in serving FPSOs, EPCs and drilling companies have made us the expert service provider for the energy sector,” says GAC Shipping MD David Hitchman.

His GAC Laser counterpart, CEO Simon Hayes, says support for the oil & gas industry extends beyond South Africa to neighbouring countries, particularly for new developments emerging in Mozambique and the rest of East Africa. 

NIGERIA

In Africa’s largest oil producing country, GAC has long been involved with the industry, combining local know-how and its network of offices with a global outlook to serve oil majors operating in the resource-rich Niger Delta and Nigeria’s offshore waters. Managing Director Neale Proctor says that in addition to a comprehensive range of shipping, logistics and marine services, GAC Nigeria also has a manning division providing qualified and experienced Nigerian marine crew for the offshore industry in Nigeria.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” he says. “In 2011, we handled more than 10,000 crew movements in Nigeria and safely delivered more than 14,500 tonnes of inbound project cargoes.”

FOCAL POINT

Gerrit Laubscher has been appointed as SOGAT’s Business Development Manager for the region. It’s a sector he knows well, thanks to valuable operational experience gained with GAC Angola.

“Through GAC’s global network of facilities in key oil and gas locations like Houston, Aberdeen, Rotterdam, Dubai and Singapore, we can provide our customers with end-to-end solutions,” he says. “This allows them to focus their energy and resources on what they are good at, in the knowledge that support services are in safe hands.”

As featured in the 'GAC World' magazine Issue No. 04 of 2012 and reproduced with the kind permission of GAC.