The GAC Group, a leading shipping and logistics services provider, has launched a new crisis management and anti-piracy service to provide professional security and anti-lethal protective solutions for ships, cargo and crew.

GAC Protective Solutions, powered by Cerberus, an independent security, intelligence business risk mitigation service provider, brings together the resources, expertise and reach of the GAC Group with Cerberus Maritime Services (CMS).

CMS, part of Cerberus International Holdings Group, has over 20 years of global experience in providing support to people and organisations working in hostile and difficult environments.

Part of GAC Solutions, GAC Protective Solutions delivers an integrated and intelligence-led approach to clients, minimising their operational risks to counter the growing threat from regional piracy and kidnapping.

The core services include crisis management, officer/crew training, protective equipment supply, sea marshal services, intelligence reports and alerts, coordination with international and coalition maritime task forces, and assistance to owners with risk assessment and drafting of ship security plans as required by the ISPS code.

The Gulf of Aden is the latest piracy ‘hot spot’. GAC Protective Solutions is designed to support vessel Masters to navigate safely through this war risk zone, as determined by Lloyds of London.

With the International Maritime Bureau reporting 92 attacks against shipping in the Gulf of Aden this year, with at least £100 million ($164 million) paid in ransom, this innovative alliance meets a very real need for shipping.

Group vice president for GAC Solutions Christer Sjödoff said GAC Protective Solutions give peace of mind to vessel owners and operators.

“Every week brings news of threats to maritime interest,” he said. “Through GAC Protective Solutions, we want to provide vessels with the necessary equipment, training and knowledge to be better prepared for the possibility of a hostile environment as they travel the world’s shipping lanes.”

In the event of any incident, GAC Protective Solutions will also step in to lend a helping hand.

Floyd Woodrow, operations director, GAC Protective Solutions, added: “We provide comprehensive medical assistance and support; access to incident response teams, crisis managers and ransom negotiators; ‘International Red Flare’ global medical & security evacuation service; provision of medical equipment & services; and advice on hull, machinery and cargo insurance interests.” – TradeArabia News Service