GAC Fire, Rescue and Safety expands into Europe

Since its establishment in Denmark in 2006, Euro ShipService ApS has offered fire, rescue and safety equipment, as well as repair and maintenance products. The company is headed by Tom Norderhaug, who has more than a quarter of a century's experience in the international maritime industry.

After 1 April 2008, the new European branch of GAC FRS will be known as GAC Fire, Rescue and Safety ApS (Denmark). Until then, it will be known as Euro ShipService ApS, a GAC company included in the Europe, Mediterranean & Africa (EMAF) Region. As part of GAC Solutions business area, it will work closely with GAC Fire, Rescue and Safety (Singapore).

EMAF's Regional Director, Erland Ebbersten says: "Having GAC FRS (Denmark) in the same time zone as many of our European customers will enable us to provide them with a better service, both commercially and operationally. The Danish office will also serve our North American customers on the East Coast, while the Singapore office will continue to serve our customers on the American West Coast."

The acquisition of Euro ShipService to form the new company follows several months working with GAC FRS (Singapore) as a service partner.

"This acquisition will allow us to truly meet shipping principals' needs for class-approved fire and safety systems and services all around the world," says Christer Sjödoff, Group Vice President for GAC Solutions.

The move is welcomed by Tom Norderhaug, Managing Director of GAC FRS Denmark, who says: "The Euro ShipService extensive partner service network and excellent technical expertise, combined with GAC's commercial skills, one-stop billing solutions and global network of offices and customers, will further improve the safety and security of GAC's customers, safeguarding both lives and property."

Offered under the GAC Solutions umbrella, GAC FRS combines the Group's ship agency, logistics and offshore expertise and infrastructure with a solid service partner network to deliver a seamless, innovative and convenient solution directly to any vessels including new buildings and conversions. Working with strategically selected class-approved service providers around the world, GAC FRS ensures that installation and any other services can be carried out for any brand and at any location - no matter how remote.