Gulf Logistics & Naval Support (GLNS) is now providing naval support services to customers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with plans to expand into additional GCC countries in the near future.
The Chairman of the GLNS Board of Directors, Major General Suhail Shaheen Al Marar, retired Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, said: “Since we began operations in October 2009 we have grown rapidly and are proud to be providing support services to the UAE Navy and Abu Dhabi’s Critical National Infrastructure Authority and, regionally, to the Bahrain Coast Guard and the Royal Bahrain Navy.
“We are now at an advanced stage of negotiation on contracts with organisations both within the UAE and elsewhere in the region and are confident of making announcements shortly.”
Joseph Flynn, General Manager of GLNS, added that “There is increased operational activity of regional navies to support counter-terrorism and anti-piracy missions, leading the drive for 24 hour availability of vessels.  GLNS can provide the support services that enable maritime military forces to concentrate on their prime objectives of security for their countries.”
The key to the strong start of GLNS is the support of its two shareholders, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) and BAE Systems.
GLNS was set up as a joint venture in 2009 between Abu Dhabi Ship Building and the UK’s BVT Surface Fleet Ltd, which took a 30% stake, to provide services to maritime security forces in the Gulf.
BAE Systems acquired VT Group's 45% shareholding in BVT Surface Fleet Limited in October bringing the business into full ownership of the Company and renamed it BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited.
GLNS is the first company in the Middle East to offer dedicated support services to navies, coast guards, marine police, homeland security organisations, special forces and other key commercial customers.
GLNS is participating at the International Security National Resilience Exhibition and Conference (ISNR), being held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from March 1-3.