DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, January 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC (DFM: GULFNAV), the regional's leader in maritime and shipping services has recently announced the appointment of Mr. Per Wistoft Kristiansen as Chief Executive Officer. Per will lead the company's expansionary mission of growth.

With 29 years of experience across Europe, Asia and the United States, Per brings to Gulf Navigation rich expertise in the field of shipping and maritime services.

Per is an accomplished shipping professional with broad leadership experience. He worked as managing director at TRANSPETROL Belgium and previously headed the port of ESBJERG in Denmark, moreover he served the world's maritime and shipping companies of repute such as D/S NORDEN A/S, TORO ENERGY SAM, A.P MOLLER GROUP amongst others. Per holds an MBA from Scandinavian International Institute Copenhagen and speaks seven languages.

Commenting on the appointment, Engineer Abdullah Al Shuraim, Chairman, Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC, said: I am delighted that Per has joined Gulf Navigation; his background in Maritime and Shipping will be invaluable. Per is a creative, innovative and highly professional and has a wealth of experience. Having Per with us affirms that we are a best in class team and that we are committed to delivering a solid performance, superior financial results and impressive growth across all maritime business areas. Indeed, we have appointed a CEO whose personal qualities and experience reflect the values of our fundamentals and business and we are confident that his leadership will give the company the best

Commenting on his appointment, Per said: I am extremely pleased to join Gulf Navigation holding PJSC at a time when it is experiencing remarkable growth. In a challenging and fast growing market for shipping, Gulf Navigation has achieved tremendous momentum in a very short span of time. In my new role, I look forward to ensuring that Gulf Navigation maintains its attractive returns for shareholders by securing the promising opportunities the region offers.

Per will officially assume his duties on February 1st 2009.

Gulf Navigation holding PJSC group companies and divisions own and operate crude, clean petroleum product and chemical tankers, Gulf Navigation Holding is an ISO 9001:2000 certified Dubai-based company and a leading shipping and marine services company in the region. It is a United Arab Emirates holding entity with operations worldwide and 11 specialised subsidiaries. The company owns 19 tankers and charters VLCCs, Chemical and Product Tankers. It is also the sole agency for a large number of global marine manufacturers and the only company listed on the Dubai financial market as a maritime and shipping company.

For more information, please visit http://www.gulfnav.com or contact Basem Barry on +971-4-4270104 or e-mail basem@gulfnav.com

For more information, please contact Basem Barry on +971-4-4270104 or e-mail basem@gulfnav.com