DHL becomes official partner of the Volvo Ocean Race

[Source: Volvo Ocean Race] The Official Logistics Partner for the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 will be the world's leading logistics company, DHL. The company will provide a complete logistics solution for the race encompassing air, sea and land freight movements.

The size and complexity of the Volvo Ocean Race demands a partner that can deal with the intricacies of large sporting event logistics, where there are no second chances.

DHL's sponsorship portfolio includes Formula 1, Global Fashion Week, and the Rugby World Cup 2011 and its expertise in delivering against extremely tight timelines and to disparate locations around the world, makes it the ideal partner for the large and complex Volvo Ocean Race.

"We are extremely pleased to announce DHL as our Official Logistics Partner," said Volvo Ocean Race CEO Knut Frostad. "An event such as the Volvo Ocean Race requires its Logistics Partner to provide a world class service, and we look forward to working with DHL on what truly is a unique sporting and logistical challenge."

From left, Henning Von Beetzen, Global Customer Manager DHL, Knut Frostad, Volvo Ocean Race CEO, Gertjan Karreman, VP Business Development Global Ocean Freight DHL. Alicante, 17 November 2010. Photo copyright Nacho Gonzalez/Volvo Ocean Race

Thomas George, CEO DHL Freight, added, "We look forward to supporting one of the most demanding international sporting events with our know-how in transport and logistics. It's a perfect fit," he said. "Ocean racing requires core characteristics such as teamwork, passion, speed, technology and a can-do-spirit. These values also boost our performance at DHL."

DHL will set up a detailed and full logistics plan and will also work with the race teams and partners. Key services will include the port-to-port transport of cargo and sailing equipment by air, sea and land and DHL will be responsible for the complete logistics management from the pick-up of cargo at any given venue to on-time delivery of the containers at the next race village.

In addition to air, ocean and road transport services, DHL will provide full tracking and tracing of the cargo in transit as well as customs clearance and warehousing services.