GNSC commissions new state-of-the-art warehouse

With the intention of improving its services and upgrading the quality, the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) has made a sizeable investment in constructing a new state-of-the-art warehouse that was officially opened for business on Monday.
In providing an overview of the project, Managing Director of GNSC Andrew Astwood declared that the facility was identified as a priority capital investment for the company, which cost the company $125.942 million. He said it was the most costly investment the GNSC has ever made.
Astwood said although there were some challenges during the construction phase which led to an extension in the official period, the project was, nevertheless, successful.
“This is the first newly-built structure as a part of the modernisation process which adds to the major upgrades and rehabilitation of several other sections of the facility that we would have embarked on over the years,” the Managing Director added.
The corporation’s Managing Director said that the storage facility is 12,600 square feet with modern amenities and features. The dimensions of the warehouse are 140 by 90 feet, with a height of 25 feet, and open storage layout with stacking height up to 20 feet.
In addition to that, the facility has a concrete steel frame with side ventilation, reinforced concrete flooring, two access ramps, two automatic roller shutter doors and an air-conditioned office with internal washroom and superior lighting. The capacity of the warehouse is up to 2500 tonnes of bulk cargo such as rice. It also has safe security features.
“The project signifies our commitment to the development of our infrastructure to better satisfy the needs of our customers and principles and position ourselves as the perfect logistics partner for business and investment in the maritime and new and emerging oil and gas sector,” he added.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Winston Jordan who delivered the feature address at the event, spoke to the need for more investments of this nature.
He pointed to the fact that more opportunities will open up through the impending oil sector.

“As a company with many years of experience, I expect that your sagacity will cause you to experience new business opportunities in this new sector. I encourage you to take advantage of the many business opportunities that this nascent sector promises so as to ensure that your company remains profitable and competitive,” he stated.
The Minister alluded to the fact that many State-owned companies face severe pressure. He noted that Government has, over the years, supported many State agencies, the most recent being the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and the Guyana National Printers Limited.
“The competition is fierce but this time go head-on with imagination, innovation, and foresight. It will require visionary leadership from the Board of Directors and management. There will be call for a motivated and skilful workforce that is dedicated to making the corporation number one,” he said.
Jordan acknowledged that the GNSC’s strategic plan, which highlights warehouse development, equipment renewal and works rehabilitation as critical to the success of the programme. He said while a lot of brainstorming may have led to that plan, sticking it out and ensuring implementation takes places is key to the success of the company.
The grand opening was attended by several top executives of the GNSC including the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Lance Carberry, among several others.
The Guyana National Shipping Corporation Limited renders maritime transportation services to all sectors of the economy.
The company’s major role in the shipping industry is the provision of related quality services to ship owners, operators, and other customers, locally and internationally.