Growing interest in year-round Arctic cruises has prompted GAC Norway to open a branch, in Tromsø.
Located 300 km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the largest urban area in Northern Norway and serves as a portal to the Arctic.
It is a popular port of call for cruise vessels, including those specialising in winter tours to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
In the past two years, GAC has seen a significant increase in activity at the port, following the signing of two new cruise contracts.
For example, in 2018, the company handled about 50 vessels calling at the port through a local partner. With the number expected to double in the coming two to three years, it was decided to establish GAC’s own presence at Tromsø.
Opened in January, 2019, the office is housed in a new building that forms part of the Siva Innovation Centre near Tromsø’s Breivika Cruise Port.
Regional Manager, Henning Kjøs Lien, is heading up the new operation. He joined GAC after working in Arctic logistics in Svalbard.
He said: “The spectrum of GAC services and experience the new office will offer represents an essential addition to the Arctic area.”