GEM takes delivery of Panamax

Gulf Energy Maritime (GEM), the Middle East’s largest independent commercial product tanker operator, has taken delivery of the first ever Panamax built by Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD. The 75,000 DWT product oil carrier, Gulf Castle, is also the first of four new Panamax vessels scheduled for delivery this year from HMD, and is the fifth Panamax vessel in the fleet.

Earlier this month GEM took delivery of the 47,000 dwt Gulf Muttrah, and with Gulf Castle, GEM?s fleet strength now reaches 13 vessels. “The delivery of Gulf Castle marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. Being the very first Panamax vessel manufactured out of its dockyards, GEM is honoured in being their customer for such a historic event,” said Ahmed Essa Hareb Al Falahi, CEO, GEM.

Having taken delivery of two new vessels earlier this year, GEM is scheduled to take delivery of four more new vessels in 2009, i.e. one 47,000 DWT chemical tanker and three more 75,000 DWT Panamax carriers.

GEM is certified by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance to the ISO 9001-2000 Quality Management System and ISO 14001-2004 Environment Management System for the operational and technical management of its fleet.