GAC-Ultramar extends network

GAC-Ultramar Network, part of the GAC global shipping agency network, has extended its South American coverage with the addition of Colombia and Ecuador to its presence in Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.

GAC-Ultramar, which was formed in 2004, combines GAC's global system with Ultramar's local expertise to provide tailor-made port and hub services to ships across the South America.

"The network expansion is an important development for the four-year-old alliance," said Lars Heisselberg, GAC Group Vice-President for Shipping.

"Colombia and Ecuador operate some of the busiest ports and trade lanes in South America. Our presence in both countries adds a significant boost to our existing network."

As the largest port agency in Colombia in terms of attended port calls, GAC-Ultramar Network Colombia offers tramp and liner services agency services. The network includes the headquarters in Bogotá and offices at Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Puerto Bolivar, Coveñas, Cali and Medellín.

GAC-Ultramar Ecuador was formed as a result of a port agency operating agreement between Ultramar Network Chile and Grupo Transoceanica, the premier transport group in the country. The ports attended by GAC-Ultramar Ecuador are Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Bolivar, La Libertad and Galápagos.

Detlev W Spethmann, Director, GAC-Ultramar Network, said: "With this expansion GAC-Ultramar Network will be able to provide clients with a single and uniform point of entry for all their ship agency needs in South America."