Ho Chi Minh operational base to support regional growth and offshore energy projects

Global shipping and logistics provider GAC Group has partnered with SME Logistics Holding to open its first ever office in Vietnam this week as part of the company’s continued expansion in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.

The office, located in Ho Chi Minh, supports customers at ports along the Saigon River with an integrated portfolio of shipping, logistics and marine services to a wide range of sectors, including dry and liquid bulk, liners, FMCGs and offshore energy.

“We have been active in Vietnam for many years through our work with local partners and agents, but the time is now right to set up our own operational office in Vietnam. The combination of GAC’s global network with the strong local presence and know-how of SME Logistics will mark a new chapter for us to better serve our customers and deliver their strategy,” says Daniel Nordberg, GAC’s Group Vice President, Asia Pacific & Indian Subcontinent.

Growing regional demand

The launch of the new facility comes in response to growing customer demand for shipping and logistics services in the region, as well as providing an opportunity to support exploration, production and maintenance operations for Vietnam’s burgeoning offshore wind farm projects.

“Our new office in Ho Chi Minh is a reflection of GAC Group’s commitment to serving and supporting our customers in Southeast Asia, as well as the wider Asia-Pacific region, which continues to show significant growth in a number of sectors, including the offshore energy industry,” Daniel adds.

GAC’s office in Vietnam follows the opening of a new office in Taichung, Taiwan, in November 2022 to support growing customer demand and provide offshore operations services. These offices are the latest to join more than 300 branches in more than 50 countries for the wider GAC Group, which employs about 7,500 staff worldwide.

An emerging energy tiger

Establishing GAC’s footprint in Vietnam comes as the Southeast Asian country undergoes a renewable energy revolution with a target of being net zero by 2050. Vietnam is planning to scale up its wind-power generation capabilities to about 30% by 2050, up from 5% currently, with more than 120 offshore wind farm projects currently under scheduled for construction.

“The push for renewables is a key focus for GAC. We are now leveraging our decades-long expertise in offshore development projects, including offshore wind ones, to ramp up support for renewables projects and are set to play a critical part in Vietnam’s journey to net-zero,” says Erland Ebbersten, GAC’s Group Vice President, Marine and Energy.