In July, we announced the acquisition of GIF Transport and Logistics, a respected and established logistics provider based in Aberdeen. For us, the acquisition wasn’t simply a commercial opportunity – it was a strategic decision to support the long-term growth of the business.
We’ve always believed that our success is tied to the success of the communities we operate in, and the acquisition of GIF allows us to strengthen not only our logistics capabilities but also to directly support the businesses, jobs, and supply chains in both Aberdeen and Southampton and the route between these two vibrant port cities.
Investing in Southampton: The Heart of the Marine Division
In August, a major addition arrived at the company’s Southampton marine base – the Willdiscover, a newly built EuroCarrier from Dutch shipbuilder Neptune Marine.
This is a big moment for us in Southampton. The Willdiscover isn’t just a new vessel – it’s a symbol of our ongoing investment in the South Coast’s marine and logistics economy. It joins Williams Shipping’s extensive fleet and will play a crucial role in supporting marine operations, port services, and local contracting firms. We work with countless businesses in and around Southampton. Whether it’s port operators, offshore contractors, or local suppliers, the Willdiscover enhances our ability to serve them quickly, efficiently, and safely.
As the marine division is headquartered in Southampton, the vessel’s arrival also supports local employment and supply chains, from engineering and maintenance services to fuel suppliers and technical support firms.
Supporting Growth Across the UK
Every investment we make, whether it’s a new vessel, truck, or a new site, is about supporting the wider ecosystem. We see our industry as enablers of trade, jobs, and innovation.
Alongside the GIF acquisition, we also purchased a strategic parcel of land in Dyce, Aberdeen. This site will become a vital operational hub – housing GIF’s HQ, as well as supporting other group divisions like Williams Marine Lubricants and Nursling-based Willbox, the company’s specialist container business.
This is part of a long-term strategy, and Aberdeen is a vital logistics and marine centre, and this new facility gives us the space and infrastructure to grow responsibly while continuing to support key industries, including offshore energy.
A Company Built on Local Values
For me, as Managing Director, all these moves, from acquiring GIF to welcoming the Willdiscover, are underpinned by one consistent principle: supporting the people and businesses that keep the UK moving.
We are always looking at ways to extend our current fleet and invest in new technology and software to better serve our customers. In 2024 when we opened a new cargo office located at Dock Gate 20 in partnership with DP World. Plus, we have invested in new handling equipment running on HVO, supporting the port’s drive towards net zero.
We’ve been a family-run business since 1894, and we’ve never lost sight of our role in the community. Whether it’s Southampton, Aberdeen, or anywhere in between, our mission is simple: to work in partnership with our customers and suppliers to provide a first-class service, and to always respect the communities in which we work.
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