Gulf Agency Company (GAC) Oman and Hydrex NV have signed an agreement to work together to add high quality underwater maintenance and repair to GAC Oman’s large portfolio of services offered to the shipping industry in the port of Sohar and other key ports in Oman.

We interviewed Dr. Ashan Silva, Business Manager, Sohar, GAC Oman following the signing of the agreement. 

H: Please give us an overview of GAC Oman

Dr. AS: Established in 1972, GAC Oman is a leading provider of shipping and logistics services in the Sultanate of Oman covering the country’s key ports, including Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Sur, Khasab, and Duqm.

As part of the global GAC Group, our diverse service portfolio serves a wide range of sectors including energy, events and dry bulk. We support different cargo types and vessels with ship agency, husbandry, protective agency, bunker fuel supplies, launch and dry-docking services.

Our comprehensive logistics services encompass freight services, project logistics, land transportation, international moving and contract logistics. Our fully equipped warehousing facility next to our head office in Al Khuwair, Muscat, supports these logistics operations.

GAC Oman is dedicated to a sustainable approach guided by the GAC Group’s Roadmap to Sustainability. This commitment focuses on “adapting, innovating, and reducing” the negative impact of our activities and encouraging stakeholders to promote a sustainable future. Our goals align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and span economic, environmental and social aspects.

H: How will the partnership of GAC Oman and Hydrex benefit shipowners and operators who use Sohar and the key ports in Oman?

Dr. AS: For those seeking uncompromising quality in their port call operations in Oman, GAC stands as the premier choice, bringing value to every port call with seamless and efficient operations.

When it comes to vital underwater repairs essential for a safe voyage, Hydrex is the name of trust. With Hydrex’s expertise in underwater repair services, you can rely on them to safeguard your vessel’s journey.

Together, GAC Oman and Hydrex constitute a powerful duo, providing comprehensive quality services in a single, accessible location. It’s your one-stop destination for top-notch port call and underwater repair solutions.

H: Why did GAC Oman choose to work with Hydrex specifically?

Dr. AS: At GAC, our dedication to quality service extends to the partnerships we form with premier service providers. We nurture enduring relationships with our principals, founded on the consistent delivery of exceptional services.

Our confidence in Hydrex is based on the lasting quality demonstrated in the many successful operations they have conducted in the waters of Sohar. They have consistently provided exceptional services to vessel owners.

That impressive track record drove us to work with Hydrex to extend this same standard of excellence to our principals.

About Dr. Ashan Silva

Dr. Ashan Bimal Silva boasts over 30 years of extensive experience in the international shipping industry. His journey commenced as a senior officer in the merchant navy, after which he came ashore to work as a navigation lecturer for nautical campuses and in managerial roles in the shipping industry.

Today, Dr. Ashan is Business Manager for GAC Oman’s Sohar Office. He heads an experienced team and together they spearhead the provision of top-tier shipping, logistics, and marine services in the port, upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence in all operations. His wealth of experience and expertise ensures customers receive unparalleled services, underscoring GAC’s commitment to their success.

At Hydrex we are looking forward to a long and productive partnership with GAC Oman which will result in consistently excellent and efficient service delivered to ship owners and ship managers requiring assistance at any of the key ports of Oman.