January 5 - Global shipping, logistics and marine services group GAC has announced the merger of its UK operations.

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

Former managing director of GAC-OBC, Peter Cole, pictured, 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. 

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 vice president 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." 

"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."

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