gac-obc helps smooth berthing of the 'götheborg' in london
The Swedish East Indiaman Götheborg may be a sailing ship out of the 18th century, but GAC-OBC Shipping Limited (GAC-OBC) knows its needs are no different to any other modern ocean-going ships when she arrived in London.
After an eight-day stop in Nice, France, the Swedish Ship sailed towards Gibraltar before reaching London on 19 May 2007 for a two-week visit. Her journey into port was accompanied by workboats and tugs specially arranged by GAC-OBC to ensure her smooth berthing, starboard-to , which can be difficult with a prevailing tidal flow of 3-4 knots.
Furthermore, the ship had to dismantle some of the main sails to get her airdraft down from 48 metres to 35 metres to pass through Tower Bridge and into the Pool of London before berthing at South Quay, West India Docks, Isle of Dogs.
GAC Group Sales Director – Shipping, Neil Godfrey said, “The handling of the Götheborg is not an everyday event and possibly beyond the work scope of many port agents. It was a challenging event and GAC has put in a lot of energy and effort into being the sponsoring port agent for the Götheborg.”
During the 'Götheborg’s’ stay in London, GAC-OBC will be her exclusive port agent, assisting the Swedish East India Company (SOIC) and the Swedish Embassy with all her port requirements. These port agency services are offered as part of the GAC Global Hub Agency sponsorship agreement with the SOIC to support the Sweden-to-China expedition of the 'Götheborg', a replica of a ship which sank in the entrance to Gothenburg harbour in September 1745.
“GAC-OBC is well prepared to meet any challenges posed by the Götheborg’s unique demands and requirements whilst in London. This has already included complicated security clearances with Central London authorities, for the Götheborg to perform a cannon salute to the city when she sailed in, and another round of returned salute by HMS Belfast.” Mr Godfrey added.
Besides facilitating services such as customs, immigration and other formalities for the vessel while at anchor, GAC-OBC plays a central role in coordinating the Gothebörg’s port security plan requirements, the smooth delivery of fresh water, supply of safety gear and the environmentally-friendly removal of the ship’s garbage and sewage, reflecting the vessel’s commitment to preventing pollution to the sea.
GAC-OBC Marketing Manager, Duncan Heseltine said: “We are proud to support this re-creation of the Götheborg’s historic voyage from Sweden to the Far East and back again. To ensure that Götheborg keeps to her voyage schedule in this last leg of the expedition, we shall work closely with the ship’s Master and deck officers to ensure that what we are doing does not inconvenience the many activities organised onboard or adjacent to the vessel during her port stay.”
One of the activities that took place onboard the Gothebörg is the GAC client reception held on 29th May for more than 70 guests from the local shipping and logistics industries.
London is the last stopover for the Gothebörg after her fascinating and adventurous expedition to China. On 9 June 2007, it will be time for the Swedish Ship to return to her home port in Gothenburg, with GAC’s support right alongside again.
