GAC Qatar has announced it is looking at opening a dedicated office in Mesaieed to cater to the growing demand for agency service.

General manager of GAC Qatar Michael Sturesson said the move followed a significant growth in the number of calls made by vessels at the Port of Mesaieed.
Sturesson also said an office was justified as the area around Mesaieed was envisioned as an economic zone with a proposed new port to be located north of Mesaieed Port and Mesaieed Industrial City and south of Al Wakra City.
GAC is also enhancing its logistics operations with new investment to its transport fleet. “Such continued investment is in line with the company’s strategic thrust to expand its 3PL capability,” Sturesson said.
The official recalled that in recent years GAC Qatar had invested in two new warehouse facilities and was well positioned to serve its customers’ present and future warehouse and distribution needs.
GAC’s prominence called for “continuous investment,” he said. “This involves a combination of people, technology and infrastructure. All systems must be in place to provide customers with the value-added services they require.”
Sturesson commented that business sentiment remained high in Qatar with most companies optimistic about the future as the global economic crisis had not had a significant impact on Qatar.

Specialised services
As well as ship agency, GAC Qatar offers specialised shipping services including offshore supply assistance. The company acts as P and I correspondent for a number of internationally renowned P and I clubs and its shipping and marine teams handle all types of vessels ranging from oil and LNG tankers to drilling rigs, supply boats, workboats and barges.
The company’s business has been boosted with growing imports of raw materials and the rapid development of the energy market.
The company specialises in supply chain and logistics solutions with services including air and sea freight, customs clearance, land transport, warehouse and distribution, open yard storage and international moving. It has specialised departments for niche areas such as events, projects, helium, oil and gas supply chain solutions.
“GAC has seen increased demand for its skills in marine and offshore support, project logistics and agency services. Currently the company is working on a number of projects for reputed offshore supply companies, seismic organisations and rig operators,” said Sturesson.
The company reports it is seeing a demand surge for project-type services particularly those catering to international sporting events.
“GAC has built a strong reputation for handling the MotoGP, Superbikes, F1 Boat Race and Class 3 Boat Race in recent years,” it said.
The company also operates a specialised cruise agency service. It handled the very first cruise ship that called at Doha port in 2005 and was appointed as agent to handle all three cruise vessels that served for a month as floating hotels at Doha Port during the 2006 Asian Games.