During several recent seasons, the freight market, which previously showed stable tendencies only, started meeting noticeable changes in the cost of services and influence on neighboring markets. APK-Inform Agency decided to ask Nikos Marmatsouris, Senior Marketing Manager, GAC Shipping SA, about tendencies of the market, and influence of his company in the sphere.
GAC is the world's leading provider of shipping, logistics, marine and related services - wherever you go. Since it started operations in the mid-1950s in Kuwait, the Group has steadily expanded its geographical coverage and range of operations to serve customers around the world. Today, it is a truly global operator serving the shipping, logistics, marine and related industries on all continents.
GAC Shipping SA (GAC Greece) was registered at the end of 1986 to provide shipping agency services to all Principals with vessels calling at Greek ports.
Presently, the company operates through own offices in Piraeus and Thessaloniki with experienced and well trained personnel of about 65 persons.
The company provides services to all Greek ports through a network of sub-agents under our own responsibility and control.
- Would you inform us about your company? What is your turn over and other details?
GAC is the leading international ships agency Co. GAC's business is about people.
In more than 1,000 locations around the globe, we provide high-quality shipping, logistics and marine services. We are there wherever you go – and with more than 8,000 employees and half a century of experience, we make sure things always go right.
- Is your company private or state?
Of course, GAC is a 100% private company.
- Would you tell us about relations between your shipping agency and the government?
We have no direct relations with any Government and all our agency offices worldwide are run independently. However, we cooperate with local authorities in various countries for the benefit of our clients.
- What impact does the government provide on your company and on other companies in general?
None, at all (other than changing port rules and regulations!)
- Would you tell us about the countries you are cooperating with, which pluses and minuses do you have in these cooperations?
GAC as the large international company operates in some "difficult" country environments (i.e. where there is very little infrastructure or civil unrest like Nigeria/West Africa). We use this in our advantage, as we always strive to have experienced and well motivated staff who, together with leading technological communication means, ensure that our clients always get professional and top class services.
- What are the main directions and which cargoes are the main in your company?
We attend all types of cargoes and ships, from dry cargo to tankers as well as containers and cruise ships, literally worldwide!
- Could you tell us about your price policy, is it flexible for new clients, do you have some discounts for your permanent clients?
We consider ourselves as very flexible to our clients requirements, however, due to our standards of operation we almost cannot ‘compete’ with small one-man-show companies!
- Would you provide your vision and your prognoses of the world market of freight?
Due to reduced global trade rates and the influx of a lot of newbuilding vessels, we anticipate rather slow freight market recovery towards 2012-13 period, which will depend a lot on what China and India do on the global ‘chess board’! The freight market shows the large increase lately, which is deemed to be temporary.
- How do you think which directions to be the most popular for 2010/2011 MY on the grain market?
Our idea is that this year will be rather stable or even a bit declining in the sphere of grain trade, due to previous stocks availability.
- Would you tell us about your plans for future?
GAC is set to further strengthen its position on the global market by enhancing our shipping, logistics and marine solutions.
- Nikos, it is very interesting for me to know about relations between shipping companies in your country, are you presenting as partners or competitors?
We are in direct competition with other agency companies however all the Shipping Co’s are our clients / potential clients (as well as all cargo traders, operators!).
Interviewed by Olga Ramazanova, freight expert of APK-Inform Agency
