– The Volvo Ocean Race is a global undertaking, which is why we are pleased to have the opportunity to support one of the most demanding international sporting events with our experience and know-how in transport and logistics. Once again, we will prove that we can execute a complex global project strictly according to schedule and under difficult conditions – said Thomas George, CEO of DHL Freight. – Sailing on the high seas requires skills and traits such as teamwork, passion, speed, the use of the latest technologies, and a fighting spirit. We follow the same values at DHL – added Thomas George.
DHL will prepare a detailed logistics plan for the upcoming event. According to its assumptions, the company will provide the event organizers and competitors with a full range of freight and logistics services. The services will include port-to-port equipment freight by air, sea, and land. As the official logistics partner of the Volvo Ocean Race, DHL will be responsible for the comprehensive management of the logistics process, from collecting equipment and gear from various locations to the timely delivery of containers to designated destinations. In addition to air, sea, and road transport, DHL will also guarantee the ability to constantly monitor shipment status, as well as services related to customs clearance and cargo warehousing. DHL will also be responsible for express shipments within the event.
– We are extremely pleased to announce that DHL has become our official logistics partner – said Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race. – The race needs a solid partner, which is why we are happy to cooperate with DHL in realizing such a great challenge, both on a sporting and logistical scale, that the Volvo Ocean Race will be.
The regatta will begin in the Spanish port of Alicante in the autumn of 2011 and will end in the summer of 2012 in Galway, Ireland. Over nine months of competition, the crews will sail over 39,000 nautical miles across the world’s most difficult waters, including areas around Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Sanya (China), Auckland, around Cape Horn to Itajai (Brazil), Miami, Lisbon, and Lorient (France). The first such regatta took place in 1973-74. Next year’s race will be the eleventh edition of this event.