Core Values

1. Quality

GP Shipping's superb track-record is based on many years of reliable fault-free operations and quality systems that comply fully with the most stringent standards in our field. Since our ISO 9002 accreditation in 1991 we have pursued a policy to enhance our systems through voluntary improvement to achieve an operational performance which is subject to continuous development. GP Shipping employs a full time Quality Manager.

GP Shipping supports its staff by creating working conditions that enhance their well-being and performance. High quality equipment and pleasant office space enables us to expect and achieve optimum achievement from our people.

2. Education / Competence

As a means of personal and corporate advancement, GP Shipping has devised a training and development programme to ensure that the core competencies essential for the operation of GP Shipping are maintained and progressed. A full-time Education Officer ensures that staff are provided with practical and theoretical knowledge to complement 'on the job' training. The successful development of GP Shipping will be increasingly dependent upon the availability of talented and capable personnel who can progress the Company's interests in what will be an ever more technically demanding industry.

The objective is to establish a programme through which we can combine traditional values with improved knowledge and competence, where our people can follow new ways of thinking and working. Such education reflects the important role of knowledge and competence in our operations.

We pay special attention to investments in the training and development of professional skills throughout our Company. In this rapidly changing industry good understanding and continuous organisational development are critical for our future success.

GP Shipping management is based on open internal communications that supports personal commitment and encourages strong performance. Our goal is to get all of our staff to commit themselves to our core values and the targets of the Company.

3. Safety

GP Shipping recognises the critical importance of safety for employees, other personnel and for the environment. Accordingly an internal programme is operated to ensure the Company observes all applicable Health & Safety regulations, also we seek to voluntarily maintain such issues beyond the minimum legal limits. Equipment and safety clothing are issued personally to all relevant operational staff, who are also trained (and certified) to enable them to work safely in potentially hazardous areas / conditions.

Since its inception in 2002 the Company has observed the European Working Time Directive which prescribes that employees work a maximum average of 48 hours per week. Adoption of this directive has enabled GP Shipping employees to benefit from regulated working periods and the Company complies fully with EU regulations. We believe GP Shipping is the only major UK port agency group which has adopted the provisions of this law to protect its employees.

Whilst compliance with the regulations involves additional expense for the Company, we regard this as a direct contribution to employee safety.