GAC succeeds in handling major oil rig operations in South Africa
Posted: 29 August 2004
GAC South Africa recently completed a series of shipping and logistics operations for two massive oil rigs of Smedvig, a leading Norwegian offshore drilling company, in a project that spanned two months from planning to completion.
Journeyed across the Indian Ocean from Singapore, the two purpose-built semi-submersible tender rigs - 11,9695mt West Menang and the 6,267mt Smedvig T8 - arrived in Cape Town, South Africa onboard the Dockwise carrier Blue Marlin. The two tender rigs were destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
GAC South Africa was engaged to act as shipping agents and handle the logistical requirements for the entire exercise at the South African end of the operation.
Describing its role as a “one-stop shop of integrated shipping and logistics services”, Mr. Dale Hart, Operations Manager, GAC Shipping says GAC South Africa’s diverse scope of work ranged from managing port calls for above vessels as well as support vessels. This included crew changes, appointment of numerous sub-contractors; coordinating bunker supplies; arranging sea and air freight; as well as providing specialised project capabilities to handle the 200 tons of break bulk cargo.
After necessary arrangements where made work commenced with the two rigs being floated off the Dockwise carrier at Saldanha Bay by the National Port Authority of South Africa, in a major operation that took only eight hours. GAC South Africa achieved this in spite of choppy waters and unfavourable weather conditions, said Dale.
GAC Shipping, for the next five days, handled the crew embarkment, major storage and provision for the 97-metre Smedvig T8 before it sailed to Congo under tow. At the same time, as the 94-metre West Menang continued its stay in Cape Town for repairs, GAC Logistics was tasked to move 200 tons of equipment off the rig and have the consignment delivered to Congo before the oil rig reached Pointe Noire.
“This is not a regular type of operation for South African waters. Such highly specialised execution called for the combined expertise and synergy of the GAC Group’s shipping, logistics and marine services,” he added.
As part of its ongoing maintenance services for Smedvig, GAC South Africa will continue to co-ordinate and deliver regular provisions, technical items and crew transiting to the rigs in DR Congo.
With increased interest in offshore West Africa and developments of offshore oil fields, Congo-Brazazaville is becoming increasingly important to the world energy markets. Congo is one of the largest oil producers in sub-Saharan Africa's (together with Nigeria, Angola, Gabon) with estimated proven reserves of 1.5 million barrels and oil income accounting for approximately 50% of real GDP.
About the GAC Group
The GAC Group (GAC) is the world’s largest independent shipping, logistics and marine services provider, with over 200 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 5,000 people worldwide. The GAC Group corporate head office is in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
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 26,000 vessels annually.
About GAC Logistics
GAC Logistics specialises in a full range of supply chain and logistics solutions. These include air and sea freight, warehousing and distribution, road transportation, project logistics, global marine logistics, and international moving and courier services.
GAC Logistics operates an integrated worldwide network, serving international manufacturers, distributors and retailers from the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), textiles, pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics, entertainment, as well as oil and gas industries.
For more information see www.gacworld.com
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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