NYK chooses GAC as partner in Nigeria

Japan's biggest shipping and logistics group NYK has chosen GAC to help it build a strong market presence in Nigeria.

In September, senior NYK and GAC managers gathered in Lagos with local Government representatives, customers and officials to formally launch the twice-monthly direct liner service, one of the very few from Asia.

NYK has been a GAC customer in the Middle East for more than 50 years. This latest development sees Richard Mallen, formerly of GAC's global Strategic Purchasing Unit in Thailand, appointed General Manager in Lagos for Liner Services, responsible for all GAC Nigeria's liner business.

Right people, right attitude
"There are plenty of opportunities and plenty of challenges for NYK's venture in West Africa," says Richard. "Our task, quite simply, is to give them the best possible service no matter the conditions. We have to ensure NYK vessels get to their berth quickly, are efficiently discharged and sent on their way. Then we must handle all the complex documentation that is needed for their containers to be released to the local importers.

"Commercially, we have to market NYK's service to local importers to build volumes and wherever possible locate return cargoes for the Far East.

"Nigeria is a place where much can be done with the right people and the right attitude. We have recruited a strong local team to deliver our side of the relationship and I am confident that we can grow this business smoothly over coming months and years."

GAC has operated in Nigeria since 1978, providing shipping, logistics, marine and manning services.