GAC Group has established its latest base on the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole.' The company has formed an alliance with local specialists, Pole Position Spitsbergen AS.' The partnership, GAC-Pole Position, ensures GAC has representation in the region enabling the company to meet a growing range of client needs, particularly those in the oil and gas sector where the search for new sources is continuing to progress further north.

Unique services for polar bears and huskies
The 78 deg. 13'N, 15 deg. 35'E location means that in addition to GAC's usual range of shipping, port agency and logistics solutions, the company now offers some highly specialized services ' including polar bear protection for vessels intending to berth outside of the island's settlements.

Says Erland Ebbersten, GAC's Regional Director:
'With GAC-Pole Position, our well-established portfolio of services in Hammerfest has been expanded to include North Pole logistics support for clients traveling there, whether it's by helicopter, on skis or with a team of huskies. Arctic tourism logistics involve shipments of snowmobiles, tented camps, extreme weather clothing and equipment arriving by air and sea. As a partner in GAC-Pole Position, GAC's services now even include provision of expedition guides and field chefs!'

At 89 degrees north, there is an ice-drifting platform for transfers, provisions and terminal services.' GAC-Pole Position also handles services on all flights in and out of the archipelago, thanks to a contract with the Norwegian Airport Authority, Avinor.

Terje Aunevik, Managing Director of Pole Position Spitsbergen, says the alliance with GAC will provide a true one-stop shop with fully integrated services:

'Our broad background in cargo, logistics, port agency, polar tourism, polar research and expedition support ensures that clients need just one partner for all their requirements in Spitsbergen.'