Trinidad & Tobago has become the latest country to join Dubai-based GAC’s Shipping global agency network, with the signing of an alliance agreement with Alstons Shipping Limited. This latest expansion completes GAC’s coverage of all ports in the region, including the Caribbean.
The GAC-Alstons alliance combines the global connections and best practices of the GAC Group with Alston Shipping’s 102 years of maritime experience in Trinidad & Tobago, the Caribbean and surrounding islands.
Tom Nasman, GAC Americas’ Regional Director, says the formation of GAC-Alstons was a natural development as the two companies who have been working together for the last five years, and share a commitment to identifying and introducing cost-effective solutions.
“Our combined network and resources put the GAC-Alstons alliance in a strong position to meet the demand for port and ship agency services, particularly in the growing LNG sector. We will also target the offshore industry by drawing upon our Group’s integrated capabilities in the shipping, logistics and marine fields,” he adds.
The trade and economic development of the region and Trinidad’s rapid industrial growth in the oil & gas and heavy manufacturing sectors are heavily dependent on the maritime and transportation industry, says Alstons Shipping’s Managing Director, Mitra Mahabir.
He adds: “Through the partnership with GAC, we will now be able to enhance our market coverage and strengthen our ability to offer complimentary world class services, not just to customers calling at ports in the region, but also to the global market.”
Established in Trinidad in 1905, Alstons Shipping Limited is one of the oldest shipping and transportation agents in Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean. It is now a member of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies. From its early days as handling agents for passenger and cargo steam ships, Alstons Shipping made a significant contribution to the social, economic and trade development of the nation over the past century.
Today, it represents the interests of several international shipping companies and oil majors including Hapag Lloyd, Bernuth Lines, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha car carriers, Chevron and Texaco Eastern Caribbean Tankers, as well as various special spot vessel charters. In addition to ship agency, the company also offers other value-added services such as Customs bonded warehousing and a complete range of specialised cargo survey and inspection services for LNG and petrochemical products.
Global Network
Over the last four years, GAC has rapidly expanded its global network of agents as part of its vision to become a fully integrated worldwide service provider with in-depth local expertise.
The company’s global network agents today include Ole R Olsen AS (Norway), Aarus (Spain), OBC Shipping (United Kingdom), Oceania Maritime Services (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific islands), Unipros (Republic of Korea), Kudrat Maritime (Malaysia), Wilford & McKay (Panama), Vensport (Venezuela), Ultramar Network (Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay), Wilson & Sons (Brazil) and Seaforth (East Africa). Rice, Unruh, Reynolds & Co (US East and Gulf Coast), once a member of the global agency network, was acquired by GAC 1 February 2005.
About the GAC Group
The GAC Group (GAC) is the world’s largest independent shipping, logistics and marine services provider, with over 250 offices worldwide.
Estabished in 1956, GAC’s core business covers three key areas – shipping, logistics and marine services. The GAC brand reflects value for money, quality, continuity, innovation and global reach.
GAC employs more than 7,000 people worldwide. The GAC Group corporate head office is in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
For more information about GAC, visit www.gacworld.com
About GAC Shipping
GAC Shipping is a leading provider of global port and hub agency services.
In addition to ship's agency, GAC Shipping offers an extensive range of specialised services such as Bunker Supplies, Ship-to-Ship Transfers, Canal Transit and Ship Supply Services. GAC Shipping also acts as correspondents for most International Group P&I Clubs.
GAC Shipping today represents the interests of more than 3,500 Principals worldwide and attends to over 30,000 vessels annually.
