Associated British Ports has acquired Global Shipping Services, a leading provider of stevedoring, warehousing, storage and port agency services across the Humber region, extending the range of integrated solutions ABP can offer customers and strengthening its position in the UK’s largest trading gateway by volume.
Established in 1989 following the merger of several experienced Humberside port service businesses, Global has grown steadily over more than three decades to become a major operator handling over 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually across the ports of Hull, Goole and Immingham.
The company has built particular expertise in forest products, steel, bulk and breakbulk operations, heavy lift handling and specialist project cargo services, alongside storage solutions and port agency, and is well regarded by a strong existing customer base.
Under the acquisition, Global will retain its operational identity with Managing Director Peter Waud remaining in his current role, and customers are advised to continue engaging on a business-as-usual basis with their regular contacts.
ABP’s support and resources will provide a platform for Global to grow further and innovate not only in the Humber but across ABP’s network of 19 ports.
ABP CEO Henrik L. Pedersen described the acquisition as another important step forward in the company’s mission of keeping Britain trading through continually upgraded service offerings.
Andrew Dawes, ABP Regional Director for the Humber, framed the acquisition as a complement to major infrastructure investments including the new GBP 200 million-plus Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal, with the combination of service capability and infrastructure investment central to making the Humber the port of choice for customers.
Waud described the acquisition as an important moment for Global, providing access to the resources, expertise and reach of the UK’s leading port operator and creating a powerful platform for the company’s next chapter.
