GRABKIT SOLUTIONS
Grabkit Solutions is a maritime services company specializing in efficient and safe cargo handling and stevedoring operations. Founded by Captain Thomas Karimpanal, we bring deep industry expertise and leadership to every project we undertake.
MEET THE TEAM
To support our growing operational footprint, GKS strengthened its leadership team to drive greater efficiency, enhance service quality, and deliver long-term value to our clients and partners..
2025 Year In Review
Driving Efficiency, Innovation, and Global Growth
2025 marked a major milestone for Grabkit Solutions (GKS)
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What started as Capt. Thomas’ independent mission to improve steel cargo operations has evolved into a growing international team trusted by operators, charterers, and terminals across multiple regions.
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Our focus remains clear: reduce operational costs, improve safety, and deliver smarter cargo handling solutions.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
In 2025, GKS continued to demonstrate its ability to deliver measurable operational results
Key Achievements
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561,748 metric tons of steel cargo successfully handled
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Expansion from advisory discharge monitoring to direct loading operation management
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Improved port efficiency and vessel turnaround times
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Reduced operational costs through optimized cargo handling methods
Steel cargo operations are often performed under tight margins and demanding schedules. Our role is to ensure every operation is efficient, safe, and cost-effective.
INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
The R3 Dunnage Project
One of the most important initiatives launched in 2025 was the R3 Dunnage Project.
Traditional steel cargo shipping relies heavily on single-use wooden dunnage, which contributes to:
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Environmental waste
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Increased cargo securing costs
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Supply and disposal challenges
After several years of development, GKS introduced:
Reusable, Recyclable Rubber Dunnage (R3 Dunnage)
This solution offers a sustainable and operationally efficient alternative.
Key Milestones
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First successful sea trial conducted Feb–Mar 2025
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Trials completed in challenging sea conditions up to Force 9
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Demonstrated strong durability and cargo stability
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Delivered both environmental benefits and cost savings
The R3 Dunnage system represents a major step toward modernizing cargo securing practices within the steel shipping industry.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
GKS continues to focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
Upcoming developments include:
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Next-generation cargo frames designed to increase loading efficiency
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Improved loading and discharging beams to further reduce port time
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Expanded R3 Dunnage trials to support wider adoption across the industry
Our goal is simple:
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Make steel cargo operations safer, faster, and more cost-effective.
COMMODITIES & CARGO EXPERIENCE
GKS supports a wide range of cargo operations, including:
Steel Products
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Pipes (Loose & Unitized)
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No-Hub Pipes
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Square Pipes
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Round Bars
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Steel Beams
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Steel Plates
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Rebar
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Rails
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Sheet Piling
Coils & Bulk Steel
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Horizontal Coils
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Cold Rolled Coils
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V-Coils
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Wire Rods in Coils
Project & Specialized Cargo
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Project Cargo
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Pipes to Barge
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Iron Balls in Big Bags
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Cement Bags
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53' Containers (Empty & Loaded)
Our operational experience across these commodities allows GKS to optimize cargo securing, loading methods, and port execution for every shipment.
OUR COMMITMENT
At GKS, we believe that better cargo solutions drive better shipping performance.
We combine:
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Operational expertise
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Practical engineering solutions
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Sustainability-driven innovation
to deliver real value to shipowners, operators, and cargo interests worldwide.
Captain Thomas Karimpanal
Captain Thomas builds on three decades of rich experience across vessels, cargoes, and functions to bring innovative solutions to customers from all over the world.
Working his way from deck cadet to captain, he learned the intricacies of every aspect of sailing vessels. He buttressed this knowledge with operations management in Vancouver, managing imports and exports of commodities, project cargoes, and bulk cargoes to and from the West Coast. Next, as a ship superintendent, he gained expertise in loading and discharging cargo safely, quickly, and with an eye on the costs.
Unmatched Achievements
Capt Thomas’ credentials are more than just a notable resume. He holds a patent on beam hooks for I-beams and he implemented many modifications to cargo gear that help in safety, cargo care, and productivity. He introduced and convinced management and unions
to implement a safe operational procedure for Dhatec storage for pipes on the terminal for the first time in North America. This increased storage capacity for pipes by 3 to 5x.
While Capt. Thomas’s professional track record is impressive, it is the intangibles that he brings to the table that sets him apart. Over the years, his impeccable integrity and strong work ethic have helped him build relationships with all the stakeholders in the business. He has earned the trust of the local union on the West coast, working with them since his initial sailing days. He has also worked closely with local authorities, as independent agencies
(Transport Canada, Customs, Coast Guard, Canadian Food Agency, etc.) as well as the integrated entity – CBSA.
With Grabkit Solutions, customers can reap the benefits of the knowledge and network that
Cap Thomas has built over decades.
Experience In The Field
1989 - 2007
Cadet to Captain
Gearbulk Holding Limited
Cadet to Captain in Gearbulk working mainly on breakbulk steel, project and some time on Bulk and container parcels. Worked in Head office London in 2003, understanding worldwide operations when I was chief officer.
2007 - 2011
Operations Manager
Gearbulk Holding Limited
Worked in Gearbulk Vancouver office as Operations manager overlooking mainly Breakbulk (Containers as breakbulk cargo) and project cargoes along with bulk parcels:
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In load ports in the Far East
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In Discharge ports on the West Coast of North and South America
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Worked on breakbulk stows innovating and improving capacity and production all along
2011 - 2022
Stevedore Superintendent
Western Stevedoring Limited
Worked as stevedore superintendent with Western stevedoring Limited:
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Earned the trust of customers worldwide and local unions in ensuring a smooth turnaround regardless.
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Good working relationship with all frontline players involved including suppliers.
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Innovations in improving safety and production all along with ideas from outside the box and signed off a patent to Western while earning trust from customers and local unions with actions implemented on my drive.
Contact
2996 Dolphin Drive,
Nanoose Bay, BC, Canada
V9P 9J3