Barely six months since the launch of its full-warranty fire, rescue and safety services, GAC says it has garnered a high level of market interest and take-up rate from ship owners and managers of diverse segments from tankers to trawlers.

Offered under the GAC Solutions umbrella, GAC Fire, Rescue and Safety (GAC FRS) combines the group’s ship agency, logistics and offshore expertise and infrastructure with a solid service partner network to deliver a seamless, innovative and convenient solution directly to any vessels including new buildings, retrofits and conversions, says Christer Sjِdoff, group vice president for GAC Solutions.
He believes one of the key contributing factors to the positive market response is the increased focus on safety in the maritime industry.
“GAC Fire, Rescue and Safety is a natural response to the current climate, and is an extremely timely innovation as compliance with health, safety, security and environment standards ranks high on the industry’s priority today,” says Sjِdoff. He further points out that more and more companies are recognising the fact that proper systems and equipment are basic essentials that can safeguard lives and properties and according due care to this area.
“The enforcement of the ISPS Code and other standards on board ships around the world only adds to a high safety-conscious environment in which we all operate. It is important for GAC as well as our clients, partners and other stakeholders be at the forefront of such developments,” adds Sjِdoff.

The GAC FRS Concept
The philosophy behind GAC FRS is two-fold, explains Sjِdoff. “From our customers’ point of view, they get a single invoice covering FRS as well as ship agency and possibly logistics services (through GAC Marine Logistics) from one well-known and trusted provider.”
On the system side, GAC has formed a strategic alliance with electronic and fire and security solutions specialist, Tyco Fire and Security Asia. The alliance puts ship-owners in direct contact with manufacturers and designers/engineers of fire and security systems. By working directly with GAC and Tyco Fire and Security, the cost of the middlemen is eliminated. Ship-owners and their technical managers save on lead-time, administration fees and other unnecessary cost.
Tyco Fire and Security Asia provides classification-approved designs, hardware and final testing and commissioning for a range of systems, including fire and gas detection systems, fire extinguishing systems based on gases, foam, dry chemical powder and water and ISPS-complaint CCTV and access control systems.
With GAC-trained professionals and Tyco’s investment of $100 million per year on research and development for new and existing products, the alliance ensures only premium solutions are delivered to the market. It is also worth noting that Tyco has a range of products, including complete ISPS packages for all types of vessels.
However, GAC FRS’ commitment extends beyond just providing reliable equipment and systems, says Sjِdoff. “We work with an extensive network of over 50 certified partners to ensure fire protection and systems onboard are maintained in top condition. These additional services range from inspection and testing to recertification. GAC FRS covers all brands and systems and can be carried out whether at sea, in port or at the dry dock,” he adds.
Another advantage of GAC FRS is that it can be offered separately or as part of a package, consisting of ship spares and supplies logistics, ships’ agency and bunker services.
“The world trend of greater integration is becoming a prerequisite for customers, not an option.  Working with a single organisation with a high degree of competence in shipping, logistics and fire protection service and systems is of great value to our customers,” says Sjِdoff.
The GAC Group is the world’s largest independent shipping, logistics and marine services provider and has over 250 offices worldwide.
Established in 1956, its core business areas include shipping, logistics and marine services. The latest addition to the portfolio is GAC Solutions. The GAC brand reflects value for money, quality, continuity, innovation and global reach. The company employs more than 7,000 people worldwide. The group’s corporate head office is in Dubai.
GAC Fire and Security forms part of GAC Solutions, the fourth business area of the GAC Group.  GAC Fire and Security aims to provide customers with a one-stop solution for their end-to-end needs in full-warranty fire and safety equipment and systems. The unit leverages on the group’s expertise in shipping, logistics and marines services to provide quality fire rescue and safety-related services and systems.
Tyco Fire and Security, is a major segment of Tyco International. It designs, manufactures, installs and services electronic security systems, fire protection, detection and suppression systems, sprinklers and fire extinguishers.  With $11.7 billion in annual sales and more than 90,000 employees, Tyco Fire and Security products and services are used to safeguard fire-fighters, prevent fires, deter thieves and protect people and property.