Quick turnaround at Cochin Port enabled Earthrace to clinch the world's fastest eco-boat title
Dubai: It took only 80 minutes for GAC Cochin to refuel Earthrace, clear all necessary formalities and stock up provisions when the powerboat called at Cochin Port recently as part of her attempt to break the world record for a powerboat's circumnavigation of the globe.
The quick turnaround made the Cochin stopover the fastest ever. More importantly, it enabled the eco-boat crews to make up for the valuable time she lost in Singapore and Indian Ocean, and eventually broke the world record as she arrived at Sagunto, Spain, on 27th June 2008.
"We managed to complete the job within a very short time. This was possible only due to the good rapport we have with all authorities at Cochin Port and the excellent coordination of our teams," said Jaganath Shenoy, General Manager GAC India. It normally takes a minimum of six to eight hours to complete boarding formalities and obtaining clearance upon vessels arrival."
Adrian Erangey, Earthrace Operations Manager said, "Cochin Port was our fastest refuel stop. When our ground crew got to the port to meet the boat, all our paper work was in order, the local authorities knew all about us and did not question us when we travelled with GAC employees. I was particularly impressed to note the teamwork amongst the GAC staff and their knowledge on the various regulations on what can or cannot be done."
Earthrace has been one of the most prestigious boats which had called Cochin port so far. GAC was appointed as their local agent in 2007. This year, Cochin Port was the 10th port in Earthrace's route, and the GAC team had prepared all arrangements well in advance for the speedy clearance, such as, completing all formalities, clearing of the fuel shipped from Portugal, refuelling the boat and stocking up provisions.
GAC has been helping many luxurious yachts which called Cochin Port for bunkering, disembarking/embarking of guests, etc. Come December 2008, GAC will be attending to numerous yachts at the Volvo Ocean Race, where Cochin Port will be the only stopover in India.
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About GAC India
Established in 1983, GAC India has diversified from tramp services to offer complete shipping solutions for any type of port calls. These include liner agency, logistics services and P&I services.
Today, GAC India operates 23 offices in East & West Coast of India in additional of 3 airport offices: Cochin International Airport, Cochin SEZ, Chennai, Goa, Haldia, Jamnagar, Kakinada, Kandla, Kolkata, Mangalore, Mumbai, Mumbai International Airport, Mundra, New Delhi, New Delhi International Airport, Nhava Sheva, Paradip, Surat, Tirupur, Tuticorin, Vadodara and Vishakapatnam; covering all ports on the entire coast line.
GAC India is part of the GAC Group. Established in 1956, the Group now has over 300 offices worldwide, employing over 8,000 people.
About GAC Group
The GAC Group (GAC) is the world's largest independent shipping, logistics, marine and related services provider, with over 260 offices worldwide.
Established in 1956, GAC's core business covers three key areas - shipping, logistics, marine and solutions. The GAC reflects value for money, quality, continuity, innovation and global reach.
GAC employs more than 8,000 people worldwide. The GAC Group corporate head office is in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
About GAC Shipping
GAC Shipping is a global leader in ship and hub agency services. It represents more than 3,500 Principals and handles more than 40,000 vessels annually. In addition to ship/hub agency services, GAC Shipping is an experienced provider of bunker supplies, ship-to-ship Transfers (with GAC Marine), canal transits and ship supply services. It also acts as correspondent for most International Group P&I Clubs.
Media Contacts:
Hwee San Teng
GAC
Tel: 9714 - 8059452
Tel: 9714 - 2289655 Ext 120
Fax: 9714 - 8811177
Email: hweesan.teng@gacworld.com
Sue-Ellen Lazrado
Headline Public Relations
Fax: 9714 - 2282125
Email: sue@headlinepr.com
© Press Release 2008
