Humber-based cargo operator Global Shipping Services has been acquired by Associated British Ports in the “next chapter” for the company, it has been announced.

Global Shipping Services, which handles more than 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually and provides stevedoring, warehousing, storage and port agency services, has been purchased by ABP for an undisclosed sum.

Henrik L. Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer at ABP, said: “The acquisition of Global Shipping Services is another important step forward for ABP as we pursue our mission of Keeping Britain Trading by continually upgrading our service offerings underpinning our customers' growth ambitions.

"Global is a great company with great people who we’re looking forward welcoming into the ABP team.”

The deal has been described as the company's 'next chapter'

placeholder image — The deal has been described as the company's 'next chapter'

Andrew Dawes, Regional Director for the Humber at ABP, added: “We’re committed to building on Global’s strong record of success to date and growing their business within the ABP family in the Humber, the UK’s largest trading gateway by volume, and beyond.

"Growing our services offering is an important complement to our major investments in infrastructure like the new £200m-plus Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal.

"Having the scale and ambition to deliver both is key to ensuring that the Humber is the port of choice for customers and we’ll keep looking for growth opportunities.”

Peter Waud, Managing Director of Global Shipping Services, who will remain with the business in his current role, said he was excited for what the future will bring.

“This is an important moment for Global Shipping Services,” he said.

"I’m 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 UK’s leading port operator, creating a powerful platform for future growth.

"The opportunities that ABP’s extensive port network brings are significant, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together as we begin the next chapter in the Global story.”

A spokesperson said: “Global has established itself as the Humber region’s leading independent port service providers, supporting trade through some of the UK’s busiest ports. Established in 1989 following the merger of several experienced port service businesses operating across Humberside, the company has grown steadily over more than three decades to become a major operator handling over 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually.

“Today, Global operates across the Ports of Hull, Goole and Immingham. In the immediate period customers are advised to keep engaging on a ‘business as usual’ basis with their regular contacts at Global and ABP.”