The GAC Group, a leading provider of shipping and marine services, has formed a dedicated team to focus on providing vital logistics support for humanitarian aid efforts around the world.

The GAC Humanitarian Aid Team (GHAT) brings together shipping and logistics professionals based in strategic locations worldwide with wide-ranging experience in serving this important niche sector.

GAC has been delivering logistics services for the aid field of operations throughout its history. In the last decade, the company has supported the work of humanitarian and development organisations such the World Food Programme (WFP), Rebuilding Iraq and leading British aid procurement NGOs.

The formation of GHAT enables it to formulate and implement a unified global response to better meet the unique requirements related to the flow of goods and materials into countries afflicted by humanitarian crises and natural disasters.

Led by Patrik Hallden, who is also GAC’s key account manager for the WFP, the seven-member strong team has combined expertise supporting aid operations spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East all the way through to Indian Subcontinent, Asia and South America.

GHAT aims to make a difference by using the GAC global network, local contacts and diverse portfolio of services which enables it to reach difficult locations and tailor solutions for each individual operation.

Services for the humanitarian aid sector include chartering, freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing & distribution, port agency, canal transits, P&I representation, project logistics and more.

“Today’s humanitarian aid business is more complex than ever before, with global sourcing at multiple origins and challenging destination points,” said Hallden.

“Our aim is to build a credible and useful role globally, working with aid agencies and their partners – both to their benefit as well as those they seek to serve. Together, we help ensure that the much-needed aid reaches the right people, at the right place and on time,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service