A Grimsby-based logistics business has won a major Ministry of Defence contract.

GBA (Holdings) Ltd has formed a joint venture company with Scottish ferry and terminal operator David MacBrayne Ltd, to run one of the UK's busiest military ports. 

Marchwood Military Port, a 225 acre facility on Southampton Water, Hampshire, has been used for the movement of troops and equipment since 1943 and is also extensively used as a berth by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in support of the Royal Navy.

Solent Gateway Ltd, the joint venture, has been awarded a 35 year concession to manage military movements there and develop trades to maximise commercial activity potential.

GBA, with its Westside Road headquarters on Port of Grimsby, is a company with a track record spanning nearly 30 years, specialising in end-to-end solutions for the automotive industry.

Managing director, Captain Sam Judah MBE, said: "We are delighted to be awarded this prestigious contract to run the Port of Marchwood. Its location and infrastructure are second to none. We will be using all our expertise and experience to ensure that existing services are delivered to the highest standard and maintain defence capabilities. We furthermore look forward to attracting complementary business to grow the port with opportunity to create additional employment in the area to boost both the local and national economy."

GBA operates from 14 ports in the UK, handling more than 1.8 million vehicles a year. Key locations include the £26 million Grimsby Riverside Terminal in partnership with Associated British Ports and Volkswagen Group, as well as Sheerness, Kent, where operations have led to industry awards. It also has operations in Turkey and India.

Capt Judah, who used to sail ships laden with cars into Grimsby, added: "We are extremely pleased to be working with our partners and we believe that our individual strengths will complement each other well in achieving greater success for the Port of Marchwood."

Scottish-based David MacBrayne, through subsidiary CalMac Ferries Ltd, has been operating ferry and port facilities up and down the west coast of Scotland for 160 years and currently manages operations at 24 ports, harbours and slipways.

David MacBrayne's chief executive, Martin Dorchester, said: "We are delighted at this news which reinforces our credentials as an internationally recognised operation able to win successfully in the global market place.

"It is an ideal extension of our current skills and experience of running ports across the west coast. While our core service will remain managing a port handling facility that will continue to meet the military's requirements, we look forward to working with GBA Holding to maximise the commercial potential of Marchwood."

Solent Gateway Ltd will start operating Marchwood from April next year.

Source: Grimsby Telegraph