Global shipping and logistics provider GAC has expanded its footprint in Spain with the opening of a new office at the Port of Huelva. The move will enhance the company’s service offerings to customers in the shipping and energy sectors.

GAC Spain said it will provide a comprehensive range of services in Huelva, including ship agency, husbandry, bunker fuels, customs clearance, and crew change support. The new office strengthens the company’s presence in the region, following the opening of its Algeciras office in November 2023.

Huelva’s strategic location and growing importance as a port for the energy sector were key factors in GAC’s decision to expand its operations to the area.

“As the development of infrastructure for both green hydrogen and renewable energy continues to gain momentum in the south of Spain, our presence in both Huelva and Algeciras become increasingly vital for supporting our customers,” says Sergio Delatorre, Managing Director of GAC Spain. “We are committed to supporting our ship owner and ship management customers wherever they go. Now, with enhanced capabilities, we are better placed than ever to serve them in true GAC style, leveraging our global reach and local knowledge to support their strategic goals.”

Growing throughput

During the first three months of 2024, the Port of Huelva saw an increase in throughput of 7,71 per cent compared to Q1 2023. The port handled 7.8 million tonnes of goods in total, with bulk liquids rising 9.16 per cent to over 6 million tonnes. This positions the port of Huelva as a major energy hub for conventional and renewable fuels.

The port is part of the Andalusia Green Hydrogen Valley, Spain’s largest renewable hydrogen project. Spearheaded by CEPSA, the €3 billion ($3.2 billion) project aims to accelerate the shift towards sustainable energy. It includes building two green hydrogen production facilities in Palos de la Frontera and San Roque. Combined, these facilities will have an electrolysis capacity of 2GW, producing up to 300,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. Additionally, they will help produce 2GW of biofuels, green ammonium, and methanol, supporting the decarbonization efforts of CEPSA customers in the manufacturing and heavy road transportation sectors.

The port’s Sustainable Cold Logistics Hub aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. It uses residual cold from the LNG port terminal to power refrigerated storage facilities within the port, optimizing energy usage and significantly lowering operational costs. This initiative reinforces the port’s role as a key player in Spain’s logistics and energy sectors.