GAC, Forth Join Forces to offer Mooring, Terminal Solutions

GAC UK and Forth Logistics Marine Services (FLMS) have formed a partnership to provide mooring and related terminal services around the UK.

Formed on the back of a long term contract in the River Forth with an oil major to be announced later in the year, the pairing combines FLMS’s years of marine experience with GAC’s expertise and reputation for integrity as the leading ship agent in the UK and in the River Forth. According to GAC UK MD Herman Jorgensen, the winning combination will provide “safe, strong operations with unrivalled 24/7 customer focus”.

Fleet of six vessels

The fleet of six line handling vessels includes two new Alnmaritec Wave Handler vessels currently being built at the company’s Port of Blyth yard. Three more vessels are en route from Qatar a sixth is coming from Australia this autumn.

”Forging and growing local partnerships is part of the GAC Spirit and one of our key strengths,” adds Jorgensen. “We have formed a good working relationship with Forth Logistics over the past years, during which time we have developed mutual trust that has made it possible to go to the next level.

“This is an exciting time for us as we enter the relatively new market of integrated terminal services. We’re not just adapting to industry change, but leading it. Finding better, safer and more cost efficient solutions for our customers is a key objective for us, not just in Scotland but throughout the UK and the rest of the world.”

Unique challenges

Sandy McPhail, FLMS’s MD, says: “Ensuring vessels are tied up securely to the jetty is a critical part of the operation and can present unique challenges during strong winds and fast tidal currents. Safety and no environmental damage are our key priorities when handling vessels, and having tough, state-of-the-art line-handling boats with excellent manoeuverability will help maintain the high standards our customers and local authorities demand. We are very excited to be working with GAC and to be involved in continued investment in local services and people”.