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Wed 8 Aug 2012, 14:32 GMT

GAC announces Sri Lanka office expansion


GAC opens new branch in Hambantota and moves into larger premises in Galle and Trincomalee.

GAC has announced that it has opened a new branch in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, and moved into larger premises in Galle and Trincomalee.

Commenting on the news, chief executive officer Preethilal Fernando said: "The strategic location of Galle Port at the southern tip of the country offers an excellent base for offshore ship supply services. Demand for such services is set to grow as the government opens up more areas for oil and gas exploration. The call for more LPG imports and exports of clean products in the Indian Subcontinent has also resulted in a rise in the demand for ship-to-ship transfer services. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the movement of security personnel at Galle due to growing concerns about sea crime in the Indian Ocean. It is to better cater to the increased demand that we moved to our new, bigger base in Galle.”

According to GAC, the close proximity of the new office to local authorities has helped reduce clearance times.

The country’s newest port, Hambantota, encompasses shipbuilding, ship repair, warehousing and bunkering facilities. Its location on the south-east of the island makes it an ideal option for ships plying the busy international shipping lanes to and from the Far East. The company now operates from all Sri Lankan ports.

Preethilal commented: “GAC is one of the first companies to provide agency and bunker services at Hambantota from our offices in Colombo, Galle and Trincomalee. Having our own office at every port gives us greater control, enabling us to provide our customers with enhanced service, faster response and greater cost efficiency.”

Established in 1991, GAC Sri Lanka offers a full range of ship agency and related services, and handles all types of port calls, vessels and cargoes. It covers all ports, terminals, anchorages, holding areas and repair yards throughout the country.

The contact details of the new GAC offices have been provided below.

Hambantota
2nd Cross Lane, Port Access Road,
Mirijjawila,
Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 47 4920092/ +94 47 4934020

Galle
No.328, Matara Road,
Magalle,
Galle, Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 91 493 1135/6, +94 91 22 34026
Fax: +94 91 22 43769
Email: ops.galle@gac.com

Trincomalee
191 Court Road,
Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Tel: + 94 26 2222344

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