GAC Announces Expansion and Restructuring of UK Services

Logistics Insight Asia - Industry News, 14/1/2010

Shipping services company GAC-OBC, with more than 20 offices throughout the UK, becomes GAC Shipping (UK), alongside GAC Logistics (UK), GAC's UK freight forwarding arm. In-house travel agency, GAC-OBC Business Travel, is rebranded as GAC Travel.

Former MD of GAC-OBC, Peter Cole, has been appointed MD of the three companies, and sees the new structure as a major benefit for both national and international clients. "We operate in a world where customers want more integrated service packages and the cost benefits that come with them," he says. "I expect the new GAC organisation in the UK to be able to provide unique service options for our clients, from the Shetland Isles to Bournemouth and all stops in between."

Cole says the linkage to GAC's global shipping and logistic networks gives the company added strength and financial resources to develop local operations for international clients.

GAC's Group VP for Europe, Mediterranean & Africa, Erland Ebbersten, says the integration of its UK operations further strengthens GAC's global strategy to support the offshore energy sector.

"Our shipping services to the energy sector in the UK have always been comprehensive and have expanded in 2009 with the opening of new offices in Ramsgate and Harwich in support of the wind farm industry, and in Plymouth to meet the specific needs of our road fuels (gasoline and diesel) clients," he says.

"This latest integration adds significant muscle to the upstream and downstream logistics side of the industry. It also links in well with the continued northward march of our offshore support services, which have recently extended to the Arctic Circle."

GAC, www.gacworld.com