The GAC Group has formed a strategic alliance with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI).

As per this new deal, SMHI will provide world-class weather routing solutions to help vessels navigate across the oceans in the safest and most economical way.

The GAC-SMHI Weather Routing partnership, which is the second unit to be formed under the auspices of GAC Solutions, combines GAC's strengths in commercial development and global network, with state-owned SMHI's expertise in meteorology, hydrology and oceanography, according to an official spokesman.

Group vice-president, GAC Solutions, Christer Sjödoff said the alliance promotes a total concept that optimises today's available meteorological and oceanographic information, resulting in safer sea transportation and cargo handling; lower bunker consumption; realistic ETA planning; as well as minimised impact on the environment.

'Safe, profitable shipping is largely about the impact of the weather on the vessel and cargo, and selecting the optimum route,' said SMHI Weather Routing Global Sales Manager Svante Andersson.

The GAC- SMHI weather routing portfolio covers services from the basic to the most advanced level, enabling customers to choose based on their requirements. - TradeArabia News Service