TN UL Interview transcript with, Mr. Ahmed |. Arafa Mr. Ahmed! Arafa is one the remarkable clients of GMCG in Egypt. His company "Basel Shipping Ca,” owns and manages many medium sized cargo ships operating between most of the European ports. We had an amusing interview with Mr. Arafa in his headquarters in Alexandria-Egypt, where we had the opportunity to discuss the current shipping market situation and to get to know his own philosophy in running his Middle Eastern based business. The belaw questions and answers summatize the outcomes of the interview. Good morning, Mr.Arafa, may we have a small abstract of your career? ‘Good morning to you. As a matter of fact, have started {rom the bottom ofthe ladder >My beginning was by workin asa sailor onboard cargo ships After that, | managed to move to Europe where I spend 10 years of my life working in jobs related to maritime cargo transportation and shipments until | decided to start my ovin shipping company, When did you establish Basel Shipping Co.? (ur beginning was in 2001 in Egypt, where we are settled nowadays. ‘Would you tel us about the types of ships operated by your company? And what cargo they carry? Mainly, we are involved with general cargo and special purpose ships. Our vessels are qualified to load any kind of cargo including containers Based on your 17 years’ experience in managing cargo ships, what is your predictions regarding the world's shipping, trade? What are your plans for the future? | think the world's economy isin the process of recovering and that trade will lourish and restore its previous state. We already have promising trade movement inthe Black and Mediterranean Seas We are planning to increase the size of ur ships and to get new "bulk carriers” into the business. STAFF PROFILE Ms. Gail Stoll-Amin ‘As the daughter of a master mariner, shipping was natural career choice for Gall. After learning the "tricks of the trade” by assisting her father Ea Mleet operations, Gail Joined GMCG in 1998. Uke many other members of the GMCG team, Gail has never looked to other pastures and has chosen to stick with this prestigious company. After having served in many managerial and supervisory positions in many locations, Gall now is the country manager for the USA and coordinator for the Caribbean Region Her rapport with colleagues, passion for work and desire 10 improve herself mage it possible for her to thrive in a male-dominated industry She sets a positive example and a distinct standard of professionalism for others to fellow. With regards to the movement of eargo thraugh the Egyptian Ports,in your opinion, do you think that the maritime future is promising? Egypt has all the success factors with many ports and coasts In addition to that, a perfect location by two seas and the River Nile running through the country | believe that, with the proper legislation set into force, the maritime industry will prosper, Do you think that the ship management industry is progressing? ‘Actually, | have to say that it’s getting harder every day, especially through the recession period that the world is encountering, Is getting more challenging day by day to-comply with new regulations and class requirements. Moreover, port fees are rising constantly. Nevertheless, with careful planing, all obstacles wil be overcome. In your opinion, what i the prospective cooperation with cmc? Basel Shipping Co. has been in cooperation with GMCG, Egypt for many years. The partnership is strongest around Management Support and Naval Architecture jobs. With regard to the former, CMCG, Egypt is playing a pivotal role in Supporting the management process af our ships. For ample, establishing connections withthe classification society's certification process and, in addition to that SM processing and spare parts inquires. On the other hand. ‘ur cooperation with the Naval Architecture Department is limitless and their contribution is undeniable. We have successfully achieved our goals with them for many Naval Architecture projects. Such as, deadweight increment, grain loading manuals, ballast water management plans and tensional vibration analysishich have been approved by major classification societies and flag authorities, What Ido really appreciate when dealing with GMC, Egypt the punctual and the professional service they offer. They always mange to find the best solution for our company within international regulations and classification rules. am looking forward to further collaboration in upcoming projects Ancerviwed by. Mowtam Magy (GMCS, Env) Heer dedication and hard ‘work has paid-off as she was awarded for her Outstanding Performance as the Managing Director amongst the regional branches during the Annal General Meeting 2017. {As she reaches her 20% year, GMCG gives this well-deserved recognition for her unwavering service and dedication and wisher her the best of everything as she continues to soar higher. By Levee Arn Varghese ‘GEG AGH 2017