A partnership built on precision, performance and purpose
In a move that underscores both ambition and continuity, Gulf Agency Company (GAC) has once again been named the Official Logistics Partner for The Ocean Race—marking its fourth consecutive collaboration since 2014. The renewed partnership sees GAC not only providing end-to-end logistics support for the globe-trotting sailing event, but also taking on a deeper role in helping The Ocean Race meet its ambitious environmental goals.
For the first time in the race’s storied history, GAC will support all three major race series:
- The Ocean Race Europe 2025,
- The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026, and
- The iconic around-the-world Ocean Race 2027, which kicks off in Alicante, Spain.
As the event’s global footprint grows, so too does the complexity of its logistics—and GAC, with more than 300 offices across 50+ countries, is uniquely positioned to deliver.
“GAC’s partnership with The Ocean Race marks a new chapter – one defined by greater ambition, investment and purpose. We will drive meaningful change through our Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives with an activation programme built to champion ocean health and sustainability, creating a lasting positive impact for the sectors we support with our shipping, logistics and marine services, as well as the sport of sailing.”
— Nicholas Browne, Managing Director, GAC UK.
Seamless global support, with a local touch
The Ocean Race is as much a feat of logistics as it is of sailing. Transporting equipment, infrastructure, and race village materials across oceans and continents requires a level of precision akin to race tactics on the water.
GAC’s role will include:
- Feasibility planning for global freight routes,
- Transportation of race infrastructure and equipment,
- On-site operational support in each host city,
- Full material handling across all Ocean Live Parks.
And it’s not just the logistical muscle that matters—GAC’s commitment to local knowledge and long-term relationships sets it apart.
With deep roots dating back to 1956 and a Swedish founder’s vision for smarter maritime services, GAC has evolved into a globally respected brand—without ever losing sight of the human element.
Shipping a more sustainable race
While the logistics are impressive, this partnership is about far more than moving containers and setting up stages. It’s about transforming one of the world’s most challenging sporting events into a blueprint for sustainable global operations.
GAC’s partnership will directly contribute to The Ocean Race’s award-winning ‘Racing with Purpose’ sustainability programme, supporting:
- Carbon budgeting before events and carbon reporting after,
- On-site environmental best practice,
- Elimination of single-use plastics,
- Renewable energy use in race villages,
- Sustainable food sourcing and waste recovery.
The aim? To help The Ocean Race achieve its ambition of being a climate positive event—drawing down more greenhouse gases than it emits.
“The support and commitment we share towards sustainability and reducing the impact of our operations is an important pillar of our relationship.”
— Andrew Lamb, Director of Partnership Development, The Ocean Race
The Ocean Race: racing for more than a finish line
The Ocean Race isn’t just about speed—it’s a platform for advocacy, education, and innovation in the face of climate change and ocean degradation.
Its multi-pronged sustainability strategy operates under three pillars:
- Footprint – reducing emissions, plastic use and resource consumption,
- Impact – engaging the public and policymakers through campaigns and summits,
- Legacy – empowering the next generation through education and ocean science.
From hosting Innovation Workshops on sustainable boatbuilding and circular textiles, to implementing ISO 20121 event sustainability standards, The Ocean Race is setting a high bar not just for sport, but for how events can influence global change.
The 2025 edition of The Ocean Race Europe will start in Kiel, Germany on 10 August, making stops in Portsmouth (UK), Cartagena (Spain), Nice (France), and Genova (Italy), before finishing in Boka Bay, Montenegro on 21 September.
Why it matters to the boating world
For New Zealand sailors and marine professionals, GAC’s involvement represents more than just another commercial partnership. It shows what’s possible when a global logistics provider aligns with the principles and passion of ocean sport.
As climate pressure mounts and sustainability becomes non-negotiable, every partnership that brings expertise and values to the table matters. GAC’s role exemplifies the modern maritime ethos: one that celebrates performance while protecting the playground we all rely on.
Whether you’re on deck, in the yard, or behind the scenes, the future of boating depends on partnerships like this one—where innovation and environmental integrity set the course.
Where next?
With preparations now underway for the next race cycle, GAC and The Ocean Race have thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the industry. The message is clear: logistics and sustainability can, and must, go hand in hand.
Stay tuned as the countdown begins for the 2025 season and beyond—and watch as this powerful collaboration continues to set new standards for global racing and responsible maritime operations.
