GAC India steps up on green initiatives

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

30 Jun 2009

GAC India has rolled out a series of green initiatives at its Kakinada offshore base with the objective of minimising its environmental impact on the local area, while continuing to provide a safe, secure and efficient base for the storage, maintenance and transport of vital equipment for the offshore industry.
Cleaner, safer, healthier
Carl Riley, Business Development Manager - Offshore Services of GAC India, says, "Our Principals are doing their utmost to protect the environment in their areas of activity, and we must not fail to assist them. We aim to cut carbon emissions, and decrease the amount of toxins released into the air and water, without compromising the efficiency or quality of our service. This will help ensure a cleaner and safer habitat for the local people, plants and wildlife along the Kakinada coast.
"We decided to convert all the heavy equipment at our offshore base to a superior biofuel, produced locally at the nearby Naturol Refinery (using a local producer also reduces our carbon footprint, especially as the supplier has agreed to keep supplies in stock at our yard)."
In parallel, GAC has started using low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints to keep the buildings at the base shipshape. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, traditional paints and finishes are among the leading hazards to human health as they release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. Switching to low VOC paints reduces the release of toxins, safeguarding the environment and the health of workers.
Reduce, re-use, recycle - responsibly
GAC Kakinada has also launched an initiative to reduce consumption, and to re-use and recycle resources, as well as ensure the responsible disposal of hazardous waste.
Strict energy conservation guidelines are enforced to lower the amount of electricity used and keep climate-controlled rooms insulated from outside temperatures. Hazardous waste removal and disposal is closely observed to ensure the proper procedure is followed. There are also plans to store rain water and use native vegetation to decrease flooding around the yard's perimeter, while reducing run-off into the ocean.
Future initiatives include using local organic cotton and natural dyes for GAC shirts and coveralls and the application of new, environmentally safe anti-fouling products and techniques to maximise the operating efficiency of offshore vessels without the use of toxic chemicals.   
"We are committed to finding green solutions for India's rapidly growing economy and infrastructure," Carl added. "We hope that others will see what we are doing and follow our example."
The initiatives have been welcomed by clients of the yard, like Global Geophysical's Onshore Manager at Kakinada, Walid Makarem, who says: "GAC's dedication to environmental conservation is impressive.  I would like to see more offshore companies take part in this initiative."

Source:  GAC Shipping