GCA re-launches automotive logistics in Calais

The resumption of operations at the Calais site by GCA Automotive Logistics (through its subsidiary Walon France) in June was a success. Initially seen as a temporary solution to the saturation of the ports of Zeebrugge, Le Havre and Saint-Nazaire, this initiative quickly became a long-term opportunity. Customers were quick to recognise the major advantages of the existing infrastructure and praised the exemplary teamwork with the SEPD (port), the Hauts-de-France region, the transhipment company, the dock workers, the shipping companies and the Port Authority.
More than 12,000 new vehicles passed through the Port of Calais in 2023, with a promising start marked by the arrival of a ship carrying 1,500 cars from Spain. The ships' destinations were subsequently extended to England, confirming the viability and growing demand for this route.
Since 1 January 2024, a solid partnership with Stellantis has been in place for several years, ensuring that 35,000 to 40,000 light commercial vehicles arrive in Calais each year from Southampton before being loaded onto UECC ships.

The increase in activity continues with the imminent arrival of vehicles from Turkey, while the export of cars from Calais to Algeria is becoming a reality. This development paves the way for possible new partnerships with other car plants in the Hauts-de-France region, offering alternatives to Antwerp or Zeebrugge and strengthening Calais' position as a major logistics hub.
GCA's ambition is to continue to develop the Calais site, recognising its potential. The company currently employs 10 people to receive, store and dispatch vehicles. Another GCA subsidiary, Walon Bouchain, handles transport to distribution centres and car dealerships, with an average of 60 trucks per week. In response to growing customer demand, additional services such as battery checks, number plate fitting, refuelling and cleaning will soon be offered, necessitating the expansion of facilities and the recruitment of additional staff.

In addition, the presence of a rail link offers interesting prospects for the future, possibly allowing the volume of weekly lorry traffic to be reduced. This transfer to rail, managed by GCA as an expert in multimodal transport, would contribute to a significant reduction in CO² emissions (one train is on average equivalent to 45 lorries in terms of emissions).