Gulf Agency Company, GAC, is one of the world’s largest shipping, logistics and marine services providers. In Sweden, GAC is still relatively unknown despite a strong global presence. The awareness of the GAC brand and values is however likely to increase tremendously as the Volvo Ocean Race arrives at Gothenburg on June 21st. Through partnership with GAC Pindar, GAC is one of the main players in the race as the competition’s official logistics provider.
Swedish entrepreneur Bengt Lindwall founded GAC in Kuwait in 1956 and the company has always been characterised by a Swedish philosophy of focusing on long-term relationships, transparency and openness.
Gothenburg a natural choice
As a completely customer-centric business, GAC has developed in close proximity to its customers from the very beginning. After a successful establishment across the main markets in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Africa, GAC eventually set sails for new markets and Europe is one of them.
“The establishment of the first Swedish office in Gothenburg in 2012 was a strategic step taken in order to broaden business to new markets in Northern Europe. The company has always had a presence in Sweden and many Swedes are employed at our offices around the world says Alexander Olsen, Head of logistics services, GAC Sweden.
Selecting Gothenburg as headquarters for the Swedish operations was natural. Gothenburg is the largest port in the Nordic region, and the region itself is very attractive with many potential customers gathered in one place. Olsen continues: “We regard the fact that the Volvo Ocean Race is concluded in Gothenburg as a confirmation of the region’s potential, and it is an exciting challenge to be actively involved in this event”.
Volvo Ocean Race provides a boost
GAC Pindar’s commitment as official logistics service provider to Volvo Ocean Race will also have a positive effect on the future development of GAC Sweden, according to Alexander Olsen.
“The overall logistics service need related to the Volvo Ocean Race can be regarded as one of the largest challenges GAC Pindar has ever seen. The assignment covers all logistics services connected to the race, including clearance and transportation of two complete race villages, spare parts for the racing boats as well as crew equipment. For our part, at GAC Sweden we regard the challenge as a real boost to our business as we compete on a very competitive market”.
The GAC brand will appear everywhere during the weeklong event in Frihamnen, Gothenburg. A better marketing opportunity is probably impossible to get. Besides, GAC Pindar is not only a logistics provider; the GAC Group is also one of the sponsors behind the race.
Forwarding with personal touch
The Volvo Ocean Race is as a whole a customer with very complex global logistics needs. Just like GAC Pindar, GAC Sweden turns to customers who need a personal commitment to their logistics, customers who prioritise accessibility, flexibility and effective problem solving.
“A major competitive advantage for us as a small shipping and logistics company in Sweden is that our clients can call us directly here at the office and get a personalised service. Together with our global network and our local expertise in freight forwarding, project logistics and Shipp agency, we offer a personal touch as well as the high quality that our customers are expecting from us”, Alexander Olsen explains.
GAC in short
With over 9000 employees at 300 offices spread over 50 countries, the Gulf Agency Company makes up one of the world’s largest shipping, logistics and marine services providers. The GAC Group is headquartered in Dubai. GAC Sweden currently consist of 15 dedicated members of staff offering tailored solutions in freight forwarding and logistics projects globally, as well as ship agency in Swedish ports.
