GAC delivers Thai flood-damaged engines to Germany
Thailand, 22 December 2011 – When five massive, flood-damaged gas turbine engines had to be sent to Germany for vital repairs last week, it was GAC Thailand that was entrusted with the task.
Rojana Power Co Ltd appointed GAC Thailand to handle the project based on its excellent track record of managing the safe transportation of complex and heavy cargo.
The massive engines were casualties of the severe flooding that hit Thailand recently, when water levels surged in the power company’s site at Ayutthaya, about 85 km north of Bangkok. As levels were still high at some places, a site survey was arranged to make sure that the route between the site and Bangkok was passable, and to ensure that the trucks used were suitable. GAC Thailand also handled the clearance and delivery of empty containers from Germany, needed to transport the engines.
Weighing in at 13 tons each, the five engines were too big to be moved all together to Bangkok International Airport. So, in coordination with partners in Germany, GAC Thailand separated them into three shipments to be sent over the space of a week.
Because of the sensitivity of the engines’ electronic systems which could be damaged by abrupt movements, a 45-ton crane was used to carefully load the engines into the containers, and then onto a special ‘Air Ride’ truck that travelled at a maximum speed of 60 km per hour to the airport.
Mr Kowit Kwamman, Administrative & Project Manager of Rojana Power Co Ltd says: “We are glad that we chose to partner GAC Thailand for this project. Despite the engines’ massive weight and special requirements, the dedication and hard work of the team ensured that the job was completed successfully.”
Mark Delaney, GAC Thailand’s Managing Director, adds: “Meticulous planning and precision handling are key factors in the successful handling of the most challenging and unique of project cargoes. GAC has a long track record in managing odd and off-size shipments, and we are fully equipped to provide the required attention and dedicated service.”
Once repairs have been completed in Germany, sometime in March 2012, GAC Thailand will handle the operations to return the engines to Ayutthaya.
About GAC Group
GAC is a global provider of shipping, logistics and marine services. These services are constantly being refined and integrated to serve our customers’ increasing need for competitive solutions. Emphasising trust, reliability and a strong human touch, GAC has been building its reputation in its chosen markets since 1956.
Headquartered in Dubai, GAC employs over 9,000 people in more than 300 offices worldwide.
About GAC Logistics
GAC Logistics serves the worldwide needs of manufacturers, distributors and retailers with particular emphasis on the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), textiles, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, electronics, entertainment and oil & gas sectors. It delivers a complete range of supply chain and logistics solutions, including air and sea freight, warehousing and distribution, road transportation, project logistics, ship spares logistics, international moving and courier services. GAC Logistics, GAC Shipping and GAC Marine combine their expertise to provide a world-leading ship spares delivery service offered through GAC Marine Logistics.