THE Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) on Tuesday commissioned a brand new state-of-the-art Kalmar stacker, valued more than $100M.

A stacker is a large machine used in bulk material handling; in this case, it will be used to move large containers brought in by the company.

Representing the single largest investment the 40-year-old company has made to date, the equipment is expected to boost GNSC’s operations, particularly in its cargo handling department.

The equipment is designed to lift a maximum of 45 tonnes, with the actual weight of the unit being 70 tonnes with 350 horsepower.
This means that containers can now be stacked at five heights from the ground, which would significantly reduce the congestion in the terminal.

Addressing a small gathering during the commissioning ceremony at the company’s La Penitence terminal, Managing Director, Andrew Astwood disclosed that the new machine will complement the two other stackers that are currently in operation. A second stacker was bought 10 years ago by the shipping company, while the first stacker is approximately 17 years old.

Astwood said the purchase of the $96M stacker, which when VAT is added is estimated to be more than $100M, is an indication that the company is growing and remains committed to the business community.

COMPETITIVE EDGE
He noted that the equipment was needed for GNSC to remain competitive, and as such with the purchase, it is expected that the company will be more efficient and effective in the use of its space.

It was disclosed, too, that the $100M-plus investment forms part of the company’s $272M capital investment, which was approved by the Board, in an effort to develop the company’s capacity while improving on its infrastructure.

This year’s capital investment for the company marks the beginning of its five-year strategic plan. Within the next two years, GNSC is looking to have a 25 per cent increase in market share. This increase, Astwood said, is not only being linked to the purchase of the modernised equipment but a number of other smaller equipment.

In closing, he called on his colleagues to put their best foot forward into the operations of the company, while emphasising the need to remain competitive.