DUBAI's Gulf Agency Company (GAC), a leading provider of global marine services, has added lay-up and warm stacking in response to demand from the oil & gas sector given today's low oil prices.
Demand for lay-ups, warm stacking prompted by low oil prices met by GAC DUBAI's Gulf Agency Company (GAC), a leading provider of global marine services, has added lay-up and warm stacking in response to demand from the oil & gas sector given today's low oil prices. At a time when more and more vessels are standing idle, owners and operators are seeking cost-effective options to lay them up until suitable and profitable employment is found, said GAC. "Ports in South Africa and Namibia offer a viable alternative as they combine space to accommodate lay-ups at less cost and the promise of quality services," the GAC statement said. "An ever increasing number of our customers are looking at affordable lay-up options," said GAC South Africa managing director Eric Barnard. "Though not good news for the market, it is an opportunity for GAC to offer a service where there previously was none," he said. Ports at which GAC are offering its new service include Cape Town, Ngqura (Coega), Durban and Saldanha Bay in South Africa, as well at the Namibian port Walvis Bay. "There is more to a lay-up or warm stacking than simply dropping anchor and turning the engines off. That's why GAC's provides a comprehensive package of support services for lay-ups and warm stacking," said GAC. It involves keeping idle vessels in a semi-ready state, suitable for those not expected to remain unemployed for extended periods, which includes approval of lay-up arrangements, safety and security, preservation and maintenance, vessel inspections, hull inspections, status reports, port agency, husbandry (crew matters / ship supplies) and logistics, the company said. For more about GAC South Africa's lay-up solutions go to www.gac.com/southafrica
