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GAC Group has been named the Bulk Ships Agent of the Year at the 2013 International Bulk Journal (IBJ) Awards, saluting the best in the global maritime bulk industry.

The leading shipping, marine and logistics services provider was among 18 winners recognised at this year’s IBJ Awards ceremony attended by around 400 representatives of the international shipping community at the Salle Wagram in Paris this week.

Commenting on the award, GAC said: "The Bulk Ships Agent Award salutes GAC’s in-depth understanding of the specialist needs of bulk ships and their operators, local know-how and ability to tailor its portfolio of integrated services to meet the needs of individual bulk customers."

Eric Barnard, Group Sales Director – Shipping, who accepted the Award on behalf of GAC, remarked: "A sharper focus on delivering strong support to the dry bulk sector is an intrinsic part of our five-year 'Vision Z – Global Performance' plan launched at the beginning of this year. GAC's aim is to serve our customers as a strategic partner, helping them to achieve their goals wherever in the world they may be. Receiving this prestigious award is not only a great honour, it is also confirmation that we are on the right track."

GAC was also short-listed for The People Development Award, which the group won in 2011 in recognition of the work of the GAC Corporate Academy.