Gulf Energy Maritime (GEM), the Middle East's largest independent commercial product tanker operator, bagged the Tanker Operator of the Year Award from the Seatrade Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards in Dubai.

Cited for its excellent overall handling of all aspects related to tanker operations, this latest citation is GEM’s fifth such award from the prestigious award-giving body after having won the Ship Owner / Operator of the Year Award last year, and three successive years of winning the Safety and Quality Award in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

At this year’s awards, GEM was also a finalist in two other categories, namely: the Environment Protection Award and the Ship Owner / Operator of the Year.

“We are indeed honoured to be once again recognised by Seatrade for our excellent performance, this time as the Tanker Operator of the Year,” Ahmed Al Falahi, CEO of GEM, said.

“Our unwavering commitment and dedication in delivering a world-class, safe, and extremely reliable quality of service is what this award truly symbolise.

“The continuing challenges and uncertainties in the global economy have not in any way diminished our desire to rise above what may be expected of us and set the standards in the market,” he added.

“And as a fitting reward to all the hard work that each and every member of the GEM family have poured into their jobs throughout the year – from the members of GEM’s Board of Directors down to our lowest ranking staff – this award shall only serve to keep us steadfast in delivering the quality of service that the market deserves, which shall also set the benchmark for the industry for many years to come.” – TradeArabia News Service