HAC Marine in Abu Dhabi, part of the GAC Group, has taken delivery of four new units to further expand its fleet and boost its services to the marine and offshore industry in the Middle East.

The new craft are one 8000 BHP AHT, a Utility vessel, one 3000 BHP tug and a 250' flat top barge.
The new flagship of the GAC Marine fleet, the in-house built 8000 BHP AHT ‘Susanna’, is currently under construction and is due to be completed in early 2004. ‘Susanna’ is the latest of three in-house built AHTs.
It will initially be operated in the Middle East supporting offshore construction projects, rig moves, towage and other offshore requirements.
‘Susanna’ is specially designed and equipped for anchor handling to provide charterers with flexibility and high performance. Powered by 8,000 BHP main engines, it will achieve a continuous bollard pull of approximately 120 tonnes. The propulsion is two nozzles with bow and stern thrusters, a 200 t double drum winch, sharkjaws, Dynamic Positioning and FiFi 1.
Other vessels also been added to GAC Marine fleet include the utility vessel ‘Karin’ and the tug ‘Blenda’.
‘Karin’ will provide vital support for an international oil company. ‘Blenda’, a 3000 BHP tug, will complement the existing GAC tugs and will be employed in the Middle East/sub-continent, mainly as a tow tug for the GAC barge fleet of 250' units.
“We are very excited with these new additions. Rejuvenation and expansion of our fleet is an important part of our strategic plan,” says Christer Nordblad, Group Vice President of GAC’s Marine Division. “Lately, we have seen an increased demand for larger AHTs, so we are confident that ‘Susanna’ will be highly sought after.”
Mark Delaney, GAC Marine’s Commercial Director, adds “these latest additions to the GAC Marine fleet underline the company’s commitment to continue to provide top-notch marine services in the region.”
The GAC Group (GAC) is the world’s largest independent shipping and transport services provider with more than 200 offices worldwide. Established in 1956, the GAC core business covers three areas - shipping, logistics and marine services.
The GAC brand reflects value for money, quality, continuity, innovation and global reach.
GAC Marine provides marine transportation and associated engineering services to the offshore and shipping industry. GAC Marine own and operate a fleet of OSVs, tugs, barges and landing craft.  We offer Anchor Handling, Offshore Supply, Towage and Barge Operation. The fleet also support Offshore Construction, Marine Civil Construction and Project Cargo transportation. A team of dedicated highly qualified Mooring Masters offers Ship-to-Ship transfers and other marine related services.