GAC integrates U.K. ocean, forwarding units

GAC integrates U.K. ocean, forwarding units    Global shipping, logistics and marine services group GAC said Tuesday it has merged its U.K. ocean freight operations and its freight forwarding arm under one umbrella.
   The company has renamed its shipping services unit GAC Shipping (UK), with former managing director Peter Cole becoming managing director of the newly named unit and GAC Logistics (UK), the freight forwarding division.
   'Previously in the U.K. we spoke with several voices to our international clients,' Cole said. 'Now we speak to them with one voice, and I expect this to bring both immediate and long-term benefits in how we respond to specific client needs.'
   GAC's U.K. subsidiary is focused heavily on the offshore energy sector.
   'Our shipping services to the energy sector in the U.K. 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 clients,' said Erland Ebbersten, GAC group vice president for Europe, Mediterranean and Africa. '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.'