Swedish East Indiaman Returns Home Safely With GAC Support
With GAC's support all the way, the replica Swedish 18th Century East Indiaman trading ship S/S 'Gotheborg' has successfully completed a 20-month expedition to recapture its past glory.
The 'Gotheborg' returned to her home port in Gothenburg on 9 June 2007 after an adventurous expedition to China which included visits to more than 12 different ports across five different continents.
Tom Bjorklund, GAC's Head of Global Hub Services said: "With our strong Swedish roots, GAC has been closely associated with the project and has sponsored a number of activities. Throughout the 'Gotheborg's' voyage to the Far East and back to Sweden, we assisted the vessel and her needs at every port of call, using our extensive network of port agents along her route."
As her exclusive port agent, GAC assisted 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 'Gotheborg', a replica of a ship which sank in the entrance to Gothenburg harbour in September 1745.
SOIC is grateful for GAC's support and assistance throughout the journey, says Fleet Manager Joakim Severinson.
"GAC's local presence and experience in the various stopovers have been vital in ensuring that we stayed firmly on our course, and that our vessel and crew returned home safe and sound," he adds.
"GAC was well prepared to meet any challenges posed by the 'Gotheborg's' unique demands and requirements, wherever she goes. It was a thrilling and an extremely gratifying experience to be able to help play a part in the re-enactment of an important piece of maritime history successfully."
Besides facilitating services such as customs, immigration and other formalities for the vessel while at anchor, GAC played a central role in coordinating the 'Gotheborg'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.
The GAC's Global Hub Services team in Dubai coordinated the whole operation and associated financial transactions.
