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GAC Training and Service Solutions (GTSS), one of the world’s leading training providers for seafarers and shore-based shipping personnel, will today launch its inaugural "Complete Guide to Bunkering" course, to be held from 22 to 24 November at the $100 million National Maritime Training College of Ireland (NMCI) in Cork.

Led by leading bunker market experts Robin Meech and Chris Fisher, this new course is designed to reflect the latest trends facing bunker suppliers, traders and brokers, as well as bunker fuel purchasers, class societies, surveyors and other bunkering stakeholders.

The course aims to reflect the new importance of bunker fuel as the major cost for the shipping industry – with fuel costs having risen 600% over the past 10 years and representing over 70% of most shipping companies’ costs.

The new course has been designed by bunker industry expert Meech, managing director of Marine and Energy Consulting and co-author of “Outlook for Bunker Fuel Oil and Heavy Fuel Oil to 2030” published in July 2011.

Focusing heavily on delivering value for money, the course content encompasses the full breadth of the bunker industry, including: history and background, the latest regulations (SOx, NOx and Greenhouse Gases), abatement and energy efficiency, demand and pricing, LNG and other alternative fuels, the latest fuels standards (ISO 8217:2010), sampling and surveys, metering, price risk management and an introduction to the legal framework and contracts.

Robin Meech explained: "The modern bunker market is a constantly changing operating environment – increasing prices, environmental regulation, record prices, poor credit, growing demand for metering, the potential of LNG powered vessels; all of which directly influences the decisions taken by those operating across the full spectrum of the bunker supply chain. This course reflects the bunker market as it is today and GTSS should be commended for looking at the bunker industry and allowing it to use its state-of-the-art training facilities.

"Given the sheer scale of relative cost for bunker fuel in the modern shipping market, it is not only the buyer and seller of bunkers that play a crucial role in maximising profitability. Expanding the depth of people’s knowledge right across the value chain, including board members, can help provide them with a better understanding of the bigger picture, as well as the consequences of their actions, enabling them to make more informed decisions with confidence. Ultimately this improves the overall efficiency of end-to-end operations and allows organisations to benefit from the associated commercial savings."

The course has been created paying close attention to the current trends and likely future of the bunker market. It combines elements of strategic long-term thinking with technical and regulatory requirements, as well as the day-to-day realities of bunker sales, procurement and delivery.

Conor Mowlds, Director, GTSS said: "With bunker prices at an all time high the bunker purchaser has a more influential role than ever before. The viability of many a company is resting on the successful purchase of bunkers at the right price, and when done effectively this can give an organisation a competitive edge. In today’s operating environment, increased understanding can indeed provide competitive advantage, which is why GTSS has designed the best value for money course in the industry."

About GTSS

GAC Training & Service Solutions is a joint venture between GAC and the National Maritime College of Ireland. Providing innovative and cost saving training solutions for the LNG and tanker markets, as well as other commodity and maritime sectors, the partnership is focused on the expert delivery of a portfolio of training courses for both seafarers and shore-based shipping personnel.

About GAC

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 9000 people in more than 300 offices worldwide.

About NMCI

Opened in October 2004, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) is a purpose built constituent college of the Cork Institute of Technology, established in partnership with the Irish Naval Service and Focus Education Ltd. Located on a ten acre site in Ringaskiddy with direct access to the harbour, the college houses state of the art facilities and equipment including two full mission simulators, jetty, fire fighting and survival training facilities, library, IT and other laboratories. The NMCI caters for the education and training needs of the merchant navy, the non-military training requirements of the Naval Service and provides a broad range of training services for the maritime industry.