GAC Marine Logistics takes the weight of oversized
spares operation for Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management

Global ship spares logistics specialist GAC Marine Logistics (GML) has successfully completed a complex ships spares movement involving a 7.5-metre diameter, 28-ton propeller from Kobe, Japan, and 9-metre long, 13-ton shaft from Busan, South Korea, for Greece-based ship operator Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management (ABC).

GML was entrusted with the entire operation, from receiving the propeller and shaft from the suppliers' doors at their separate points of origin, through to fitting the shaft to the propeller before placing them in long-term storage at its dedicated warehouse in Singapore.

Perfect Fit
GML's valuable support to ABC helped ensure that both items are ready for dispatch and immediate use on any of the ABC fleet of vessels, enabling the shaft to be mounted perfectly to the propeller whenever needed.

A team of Wartsila technicians was flown in for the fitting. Working closely with them to meet safety and technical requirements, GML made sure everything was in place before they arrived. That included hiring a 150 MT crane to lift the shaft for safe installation, and arranging for a power generator, blocks of teak wood to support the propeller, lifting team for security purposes and cleaning of the items. After fitting, the shaft was removed from the propeller and the items are stored separately at a secure location in GML's facility in Singapore.

"Space constraints were the main challenge we faced, as fitting of the huge items was done in the open space of the warehouse," says Harris Theodorakis, GML's Sales Manager for the East Mediterranean, who oversaw the project. "Thanks to GML's careful planning and preparation and meticulous execution by the Wartsila technicians, the mammoth task was a big success."

Anthony Kouniaris, ABC's Purchasing Manager, was delighted with the result and says GML went beyond the normal scope of services to ensure that the specific requirements of the job were met.

Time and Cost Efficiency
Chris Steibelt, GML's Managing Director, says: "By consolidating spares from different suppliers and holding them at strategic location such as Singapore, we help the client benefit from lower logistics costs overall as well as improve the efficiency of the supply chain."

GAC Group