Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, has acquired Global Shipping Services Ltd, a provider of stevedoring, warehousing, storage and port services in the Humber, for an undisclosed sum.
A Humber-based shipping specialist has been acquired by the UK’s biggest port operator in a deal for an undisclosed sum. Associated British Ports (ABP) has purchased Global Shipping Services Ltd, a leading provider of stevedoring, warehousing, storage and port agency services.
Global has cemented its position as the region’s leading port service provider, facilitating trade through some of the UK’s most active ports. Established in 1989 following the consolidation of a number of port services companies based on Humberside, the company now handles over 1.5m tonnes of cargo per year.
The company currently operates the Ports of Hull, Goole and Immingham, with particular expertise in forestry products, steel, bulk and breakbulk operations, heavy lift handling and specialist project cargo services. Global is set to bring a range of distinctive capabilities to ABP.
In addition, ABP’s support and resources will provide a strong platform to expand and innovate Globally, not only on the Humber but across ABP’s wider network of 19 ports.
Henrik L. Pedersen, CEO at ABP, said: “The acquisition of Global Shipping Services is another important step for ABP as we pursue our mission of Keeping Britain Trading by continuously upgrading our service offering that supports our customers’ growth ambitions. Global is a great company with great people who we look forward to welcoming to the ABP Live team.”, reports Hull Live.
Andrew Dawes, regional director for the Humber at ABP, said: “We are committed to building on the strong Global record of success to date and expanding the business within the ABP family in the Humber, the UK’s largest trading gateway by volume, and beyond.
“Growing our service offering is an important complement to our major investment in infrastructure like the £200m-plus East Immingham RoRo Terminal. Having the scale and ambition to deliver both is key to ensuring the Humber is the port of choice for our customers and we will continue to look for growth opportunities.”
Peter Waud, managing director of Global Shipping Services, who will remain with the business in his current role, added: “This is an important moment for Global Shipping Services. I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved, building a business with a strong reputation for customer service, operational excellence and trusted partnerships across the Humber.
“Joining ABP gives us access to the resources, expertise and reach of the leading port operators in the UK, creating a strong platform for future growth. The opportunity that ABP’s extensive port network brings is significant, and I am excited about what we can achieve together as we start the next chapter in the Global story”.