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In an impressive display of resilience and expertise in the face of adverse weather and a tight loading window, GAC Oman completed its first-ever cargo hold cleaning operation at the Port of Sohar.
The operation marked a significant achievement for the company, underscoring its commitment to providing customers with comprehensive and flexible support and expanding its service offerings.
The importance of a clean hold
Clean cargo holds are critical for the safe and efficient transport of goods. As highlighted by the Britannia P&I Club, proper cargo hold cleaning prevents contamination and ensures the integrity of the cargo. Residual materials from previous loads can pose serious risks, including contamination of new cargo, potential damage to the vessel, and even environmental hazards.
GAC Oman’s first cargo hold clean involved a vessel which had previously carried a shipment of petcoke. The operation involved removing all traces of the old cargo from the holds, hatch coverings, access ladders, side frames, etc. and washing thoroughly with chemical, sea water and fresh water to ensure there was no chance of any contamination to the next shipment – of urea – to be loaded.
Complicated
The task was complicated by a number of factors, including severe weather, government-declared holidays and road restrictions hindering labour movements, limited access to cherry pickers and technical difficulties. Despite the challenges, GAC’s team at Sohar pulled out all the stops to ensure the vessel’s turnaround was not impacted.
"Our strong relationship with local vendors meant we could source alternative equipment and arrange timely customs clearance,” says Ashan Silva, GAC Oman’s Business Manager at Sohar.
“As our first cargo hold clean, it gave us valuable insights for future operations, including improved approaches for official clearances, equipment requirements, and enhanced efficiency in terminal processes and customs clearances. By learning from the experience, GAC will remain the leading ship agent in Oman and throughout the wider Middle East region.”
Expanding portfolio
The addition of cargo hold cleaning to GAC’s comprehensive service portfolio follows the launch of underwater maintenance and repair services at Sohar Anchorage after GAC Oman’s Sohar branch partnered with Hydrex in December 2023 to provide repairs, replacements and customised turnkey solutions for vessels docking at the port. The service has now been expanded and is also available at the ports of Muscat and Salalah.
GAC’s ship surveying services play a key role in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and operational readiness. With detailed inspections and thorough reporting, GAC helps ship owners and operators mitigate risks and ensure their vessels are ready for their next cargo load.
Flexible and reliable
The successful cargo hold cleaning operation at the Port of Sohar is just one example of how GAC supports its customers with a comprehensive range of port services. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, GAC remains committed to providing flexible, reliable, and high-quality services to ensure the success and satisfaction of its customers.
“Our ability to adapt to changing circumstances and still deliver industry-leading services is what sets GAC apart,” says Ashan. “GAC’s approach ensures that its customers receive the support they need, whenever and wherever they need it.”
