Riding the waves of change

Authored by Ravindu Rodrigo , GAC Caribbean MD

GAC Caribbean's foundation is built on the strong values of the GAC Group and fueled by its innovative commercial drive. With the solid backing of the Group’s global network spanning over 300 offices in more than 50 countries, local and international clients can trust us to meet their shipping, logistics and marine service needs on a global scale. Our commitment lies in providing trusted, transparent and ethical solutions, ensuring reliable support that meets our client’s needs.

We offer a range of integrated services, including ship agency, logistics services, ISO-certified bunker fuel supplies and vessel charter services. We understand the importance of time for all stakeholders, and our local expertise and extensive experience in the Caribbean region allow us to expedite processes and provide accurate information, greatly benefiting both our local and international clients. With a proactive and practical approach, we provide clients with a comprehensive solution that delivers significant value.

Flexible solutions

Our adaptability was tested during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic times. My team organised passenger flights to meet the crew change needs of the offshore sector, facilitating the transportation of over 300 crew members over a period of 18 months. We chartered more than 25 flights from Curacao, Barbados, Amsterdam, St Martin and Guyana, demonstrating quick responsiveness in meeting the extraordinary demands placed on seafarers to comply with stringent travel restrictions. One of the largest flights, a Fokker 70 aircraft with 80 passenger seats, was arranged through close coordination with various stakeholders, including multiple government entities from different countries. Offshore platforms require sufficient manpower, and crew member rotations play a vital role in ensuring compliance with strict Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) requirements.

Another unique case was the Volcano dust impact on one of chartered flights where our flight did not take off due unforeseen circumstances, and the pilots had to extend their stay in Barbados for two additional days. Our team arranged additional services needed ground transport, hotel accommodation, additional Covid testing services and various exceptions from ministries. ?

Our expertise extends beyond the Caribbean. We successfully executed vessel and cargo charters from countries such as Colombia, West Africa and Europe, expanding our reach and expertise in global markets. In a notable example, during a West Africa project aimed at supporting the charter of a geo-survey vessel, we were tasked with the sourcing and securing of the vessel. Together with GAC Angola , we ensured compliance with required timelines, obtained local permits and secured various approvals from stakeholders involved. The significant role played by our GAC Angola office in facilitating the timely completion of all ground formalities exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and cooperation within GAC.????

Game-changers

Behind every successful company, there is a dedicated team that drives innovation, navigates challenges and delivers exceptional results. At GAC Caribbean, we take great pride in our small but powerful team, the driving force behind our continued success.

Steffannie Rawlins (far right), our Project Executive, brings 14 years of working experience, with three in an engineering firm and eleven years in a shipping agency, specifically in marine accounts. In the past three years she has been actively involved in marine projects and the shipping business.

Her journey began with handling of chartered flights, which requires obtaining special country entry approvals from the Ministry of National Security and other associated ministries. This significant transition presented new opportunities that contributed to her growth in knowledge, expertise and confidence. Steffanie has since expanded her scope to project vessels within the renewable energy sector, logistics training and now vessel chartering. She says, “Working with GAC has been a whirlwind of new experiences, acquiring knowledge and collaborating with some of the best teams I have worked with in my career.”

Our Operations Assistant, Katelyn Baptiste (second from the right) holds a Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and Maritime Operations from the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Over the past eight months, she has been undergoing training as an operations assistant within our shipping department. “My time with GAC has been immensely rewarding,” she says. “I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations and have actively contributed to various projects in our Chartering team.”

Managing the finance department for our offices in Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago is Roshni Lodie-Bissessar (left), a seasoned accounting professional with 18 years of experience in the shipping and logistics industry. Roshni possesses extensive skills in financial reporting, cash flow management, budgeting and taxation. In recognition of her expertise, she has been awarded the prestigious Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) status by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Reflecting on GAC Caribbean's growth, Roshni shares, "I have witnessed the remarkable journey of GAC Caribbean, from a single office in one country providing shipping services to expanding across three countries, now offering comprehensive shipping and logistics solutions within the region and beyond. Being a part of our company's growth has been an incredible experience."

Delivering value

In the dynamic maritime industry, adaptability and responsiveness are paramount. We understand the importance of meeting evolving industry requirements and addressing market demands. We remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, continuously striving to deliver the highest level of service and meet the dynamic needs of our clients and the industry.

Furthermore, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Pontus Fredriksson, GAC Group President, and Mike Camara, Group Vice President – Americas. Their steadfast support and encouragement have consistently demonstrated their dedication to the success of the individuals within our organisation. Their unwavering commitment is pillar of strength for us, playing a vital role in our achievements.

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