900 tonnes transported by DHL for Volvo Ocean Race

DHL has transported 900 tonnes of equipment across land and sea for the six teams and Volvo Ocean Race organisers who will arrive soon in Galway following the nine-month race across the world.

Since October 2011, the start of the race in Alicante Spain, DHL has been moving 152 TEU (twenty foot equivalent) containers by sea along with 20 airfreight containers to each stop over. 

Each container contains equipment and parts ranging from small components like first aid boxes, lifejacket kits, loft hand tools and rig lifting sling sets to more sizeable goods like desks and fridges, as well as massive goods such as 100 feet-tall masts.  The inventory also includes two Volvo concept cars, which visit each port.

DHL is using what is known as ‘the Leapfrog system’ to ensure everything is delivered and ready, on time, in every port. 

The teams use the content of the first consignment during the first leg of the race, while DHL delivers a second container consignment to the next destination. Upon arrival, the teams take over the second container to use it during the next leg while DHL prepares the previously used first container for the next stopover.

“The Leapfrog system means we can guarantee on-time delivery at every stage of the race, as we are always one step ahead of the boats,” said Maurice Meade, managing director at DHL Global Forwarding Ireland.

Sorcha Corcoran